22/05/2026
FEATURE | Waves of Truth: SINE ALON 2026 Ignites the Screen at PLM
The Justo Albert Auditorium was charged with an electric hum of anticipation on May 16, 2026, as the 4th year College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences students welcomed a passionate crowd of PLM students to SINE ALON 2026. True to its name, this year’s showcase brought forth a cinematic tidal wave of student-led narratives crashing against societal apathy. Far from mere academic compliance, the featured films served as mirrors of raw human experiences, systemic corruption, and local realities. Five distinct voices from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila took the stage, moving the audience through a rollercoaster of grief, laughter, and profound realization.
Para Kay Kalia by Cine Liwasan Productions
The festival commenced with Cine Liwasan Productions’ Para Kay Kalia, directed by Madielyn Retiro, which offered a poignant look into the quiet struggles of the LGBTQ+ community within traditional households. Inspired by a true story, it tells about a grieving father who struggles to accept his transgender son. He must confront his beliefs and learn the definition of love as a parent. The film follows Kaloy, a transgender woman masking her identity under the guise of a straight male student to avoid disappointing her father. The palpable tension peaks when Kaloy is caught trying on a beautiful gown; which turns out to be her mother’s wedding dress—leading to a heartbreaking confrontation in which she finally reclaims her true name, Kalia. In a tear-jerking resolution that underscores the director’s advocacy for choosing parental and filial love above all, Kalia is surprised on prom night with the very dress her father crafted, topped with a tiara, and given a long, silent embrace of total acceptance.
Playback by Mapa Productions
Shifting gears into a dark, psychological space, Mapa Productions presented Playback, a gripping thriller directed by Kate S. Megano that forced the audience to look directly into the grim reality of extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration. The story centers on Sandra, a teenager attempting to film a school project about EJK, who is quickly shut down by her newly promoted, volatile uncle, whom she calls “Kell,” a high-ranking police officer. The film spirals into horror when Sandra uncovers a camcorder footage revealing that Kel was the one who shot his own brother because of a heated argument while drinking in the streets, whom Sandra thought was killed because he was caught with drugs. In a frantic, heart-stopping climax that illustrates the brutal abuse of coercive power, Kell catches Sandra watching the tape and violently silences her, leaving the audience with the chilling reality of systemic injustice and unchecked authority.
Kuya, Pa-Extend! by AFK Films
Providing a sharp contrast to its fast-paced, highly relatable premise, AFK Films brought the house down with Kuya, Pa-Extend!, directed by Ella Turla. The comedy initially tricks the audience into a stressful corporate setting, only to hilariously reveal that the protagonist–a stressed-out mother–is actually just cramming an intense Crossfire-inspired game at the local internet cafe. The plot thickens when her son, Nexus, sneaks out to the same computer shop, leading to a catastrophic encounter in which he catches his own mother in-game. Blending humor with authentic household drama, a literal “glitch” into a survival game reality, and a heartwarming resolution over a plate of hot pancit canton, the film captures the chaotic yet endearing ways modern Filipino families navigate detachment and connection.
Ang Huling Paglipad ni Dani by Afterclass Cinema
The commentary returned to the gritty streets of Manila with Afterclass Cinema’s Ang Huling Paglipad ni Dani, a coming-of-age narrative directed by Alexander Ira T. Santos. Set against the backdrop of Escolta and the Jones Bridge, the film highlights the crushing weight of the fuel crisis and the Jeepney Modernization program through the eyes of Dani, a student whose father is forced to stop driving his jeepney due to financial strain. Rather than giving up when suggested to halt her studies, Dani teams up with her activist friend Carla to use her camera to document the pleas of local drivers. Even as the streets grow quiet and public interest fades, the film delivers a powerful thesis on the necessity of civic engagement, reminding viewers that one does not need wings to uplift others, but rather the courage to use one’s voice for the community.
Huling Tuldok by Dalumat Katha
The festival closed with its most devastating and grounded film, Huling Tuldok, presented by Dalumat Katha and directed by Baron Gonzales. The psychological drama centers on Tonton, a young boy who desperately wants to secure a 5-star grade on his school family tree project so his father will take him to the local carnival. While his older brother fiercely protects him from their father's worsening struggles with substance abuse, Tonton remains blissfully hopeful until gunshots ring out at the street corner, ending his father's life. In a moving revelation, the film notes that it is based on the real-life story of Melvin Dollente, the father of PLM student Romeo Dollente, who was one of the thousands of victims of the drug war. By dedicating the film to those still searching for justice, the creators successfully transformed the Justo Albert Auditorium into a space of collective mourning and urgent remembrance, proving that the filmmakers of PLM are ready to make waves that demand to be heard.
Following the screenings, a talkback session brought the five directors and their faculty advisers to the stage to discuss their creative processes. The directors aimed to convey several specific themes and messages in the film, primarily focusing on understanding and acceptance regarding gender identity and the experiences of marginalized individuals. One key theme is the importance of communication and empathy within families, particularly highlighting how parents often struggle to understand their children's identities. The film seeks to illustrate the need for intergenerational dialogue, emphasizing that both parties must take steps to understand one another.
Another significant theme is the manipulation of societal perceptions and the impact of oppression on individuals. The directors wanted to explore how external pressures and biases shape the experiences of those who are often seen as "different" or marginalized. By presenting the narrative through personal stories and memories, the film aims to humanize these experiences, encouraging viewers to step outside their own perspectives.
Additionally, the directors intended to challenge stereotypes, particularly about gender roles and the gaming community, as illustrated by the creative concept of a mother being a gamer. This element seeks to break down traditional notions of identity and to showcase the diverse realities that exist within families. Overall, the film is crafted to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and foster a more inclusive conversation about identity and acceptance within society. Despite facing steep logistics and scheduling challenges with a cast and crew mostly new to filmmaking, the directors meticulously revised their scripts to ensure their final works portrayed these raw realities with both impact and sensitivity.
Written by Eljhaye Jaramilla
Photos by Nataly Escobal and Ashtine Polinag
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