SINAG MAYNILA, the country’s newest independent film festival that showcases quality and thought-provoking movies from non-mainstream Filipino filmmakers, was launched on Friday, February 20, at SM Aura in Taguig.

Conceptualized and helmed by its CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng, together with world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza as Festival Director, SINAG MAYNILA gives grants to independent filmmakers so they can develop their individual material to a full-length film for public exhibition.

As a festival that seeks to inspire, educate and enlighten the viewing public, SINAG MAYNILA will feature films that reflect Filipino culture, while presenting social issues deserving of discussion among audiences here and abroad.

Here are the five film entries for the 1st SINAG MAYNILA Film Festival:

BALUT COUNTRY, a film by Paul Sta. Ana (Oros), follows the journey of Jun, an heir to the duck farm left to him by his late father. He must decide whether to sell the property to secure his future, or spare the land’s loyal caretakers of inevitable displacement.

BAMBANTI, a film by Zig Dulay (Huling Halik, M), questions the prejudice of the rich towards the poor when a son of a househelp is suspected to have stolen the employer’s missing golden watch.

IMBISIBOL, a film by Lawrence Fajardo (Amok, Posas), tells the tale of illegal Filipino immigrants in Japan and their plight to evade authorities.

NINJA PARTY, a film by Jim Libiran (Suntok sa Buwan, Happyland, Tribu), is a coming of age story of two teenage coeds who find themselves in a comprising situation when they get involved in secret debauchery.

SWAP, a film by Rempton Zuasola (To Siomai Love, Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria, Soap Opera), takes us to the internal conflict of a young father, torn between solving a crime and committing another crime when one day his only son is kidnapped and the criminals demand him to steal another kid in exchange of his son’s life.

The films are scheduled for screening on rotation basis daily from March 18 to 24, 2015 in a designated SM Cinema in SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Manila, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia and in SM Aura Premier, where the red-carpet opening ceremonies will be held.

For more information about SINAG MAYNILA, like their official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram account: @SinagMaynila.