Joel Lamangan's "Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa" wins Best Film at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, September 28, 2025 in Quezon City. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Veteran filmmaker Joel Lamangan and actor JM de Guzman took home the highest honors during the grand awards night of the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, Sunday in Quezon City.
This was the seventh year of the film festival, which featured more than 300 entries and 61 films competing in different categories.
De Guzman bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in "Selda Tres," and was emotional in his acceptance speech as he admitted that he did not expect the recognition.
"Hindi ko po talaga inexpect this time na mananalo po ako. Para po akong nanginginig kanina sa speech ang dami ko yatang nakalimutan pasalamatan pero sana nasabi ko kanina," he said.
The actor expressed his gratitude to his director, G.B Sampedro, crediting his win to guidance and mentorship: "Laking pasalamat ko kay direk, ginuide niya ako kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ko to makukuha. Sobrang galing na direktor at maalaga siya."
"Selda Tres" also earned the People's Choice Award.
Meanwhile, Lamangan's "Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-asa" was named the Best Film.
"Ating ipagmalaki ang Sinag Maynila at kanilang ginagawa para sa pelikulang Pilipino. Maraming, maraming salamat sa New Sunrise Film," said the veteran director.
The film also collected major technical awards, including Best Screenplay (Eric Ramos), Best Production Design (Jay Custodio), and Best Music (Von de Guzman). GMA star Rita Daniela won Best Actress for her performance in the same film.
The other major winners were:
• Best Director: Topel Lee for Jeongbu
• Best Cinematography: AB Garcia for Jeongbu
• Best Editing: Chrishel Desuasido for Jeongbu
• Best Sound: Nerika Salim & Immanuel Verona for Jeongbu
The festival also celebrated the next generation of storytellers, with awards across student and open short film categories:
• Best Student Short Film: Taga-Taga
• Jury Prize, Student Short Film: Walahanon
• Special Citation, Student Short Film: Tahib Films Boi
• Best Open Short Film: Ang Gadya sang Suba
In the documentary categories:
• Best Student Documentary: Sa Wakas Kasama by Janno Pelias
• 2nd Best Student Documentary: Pendiyente by Zyra Mae Plegaria
• 3rd Best Student Documentary: Romeo and Julie
• Special Citation, Student Documentary: Daungan ng mga Naghihintay
• Best Open Documentary: Oscar’s Recipe by Giovanni Piolo Rayla
• Jury Prize, Open Documentary: Mga Bayaning Ayta by Donnie Sacueza
Screenings will continue in select cinemas until Tuesday, September 30.