PINOY FANTASMA I FILIPINO PHANTASMS
BAKUNAWA FEST 12 introduces a section that's 100% Pinoy! Fantastic shorts from around the Philippines directed by some of the most exciting emerging filmmakers of today.
![[STILL6] ALAB NG PUSO.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7ae075_b63fefdf16e0472198ca731dad93f6de~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_588,h_250,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/7ae075_b63fefdf16e0472198ca731dad93f6de~mv2.png)
Alab ng Puso by Pafsy Mejia (2025) Philippines 19:50min
Action, Thriller I Philippine Premiere
In a world governed by rules and rituals, even an act of compassion can become a fall from grace. But what should be done if one's own conscience refuses to follow the rigid structures of the community?
All About ChooChooZoom by Jai Reyes (2025) Philippines 3min
Surreal, Drama, Fantasy I Bacolod Premiere
After her grandmother passes away, a grieving Mexican-American woman becomes fascinated with learning what it feels like to die, believing it will allow her to feel close to her grandma in death in a way she never felt in life. Her grief leads her to “The Death Lab”, a mysterious medical facility that claims to recreate the sensation of dying without actually killing you. Here she embarks on a surreal and deeply personal journey that stretches beyond the confines of life itself.
Alitaptap by Adriano Sanchez (2025) Philippines 8:43min
Drama, Queer I Bacolod Premiere
The world is coming to an end and teenager William is convinced that it is his fault. He has promised his crush to spend the last moments with her, but he hasn't told his parents, who have decided to use the last day on earth celebrating his disabled sister's birthday. William has always put his sister first, but today he wants to free himself. Still, guilt is holding him back.
Ang Embalsamador, Baliw at Bangkay by Jasper Tan (2025) Philippines 20min
Mystery, Experimental I Visayas Premiere
After dreaming of a forest guardian, 25-year-old Samuel recalls a childhood memory of discovering a tiny gnome village hidden in the woods - one he used to visit until he found it mysteriously destroyed. Years later, he searches his basement for the salvaged remnants his mother saved and returns to the forest hoping to find any trace of the creatures. Just as he’s ready to give up, he discovers a small door in an old tree.
Ang Luha ay Bahagi ng Karagatan by Ryner Viray (2025) Philippines 21:31min
Drama, Mystery I Bacolod Premiere
In a room outside of the real world, Juan, a 10-year-old boy, lives with both of his grandparents. Unfortunately, his grandfather suffers from a strange illness that causes him to expel matter and rotting meat. As a result, every night, demons come to visit and feast on his grandfather's flesh. Despite his grandmother's efforts to hide the truth from the boy, one night, Juan approaches the demons and discovers the mystery behind what is happening.
Ang Pagbabalik ni Max Buwaya
by John Luke Bagtas Miraflor (2025)
Philippines 20min
Action, Drama, Animation I Visayas Premiere
Five Indigenous women braid each other’s hair in a space of awareness where we learn parts of their stories—marked by migration, abandonment, racism, love, and pain. Their lives are intertwined, just like their braids, and recognizing one another becomes their path toward healing.
Anino sa Kahilom by Athena Bagaslao & Copler Zulita (2025) Philippines 7min
Mystery, Drama I Bacolod Premiere
Set in a fictional ancient civilization, it follows a solitary figure navigating a strange world in search of freedom. As he encounters bizarre creatures and fragmented landscapes, his journey becomes an exploration of identity, connection and the quiet struggle to become whole. Blending abstract imagery with emotional nuance, the film offers a poetic reflection on incompleteness and transformation.
Cut! by Jon Asher Go Medalla (2024) Philippines 12min
Thriller, Horror I Philippine Premiere
When Emil’s grandfather, Ah Gong, nears the end of his life, he leaves Emil one final request: inherit his sacred duty, photographing the dead and capturing their final words before they move on. Threading the fragile balance of fulfilling this sacred duty and making time for his loved ones, Emil struggles to live in the present as he knows the dead cannot wait, but how much more can the living?
Dapyos by Jael Mathea Tipon (2025) Philippines 15min
Fantasy, Drama I Philippine Premiere
In the ancient Melanau kingdom, a humble fisherman's life unravels when his sister is taken as sacrifice. Defying rulers, spirits, and fate, Tugau's quest to save her forges him into a warrior-king whose choices ignite a war among nations.
Ishang by Zechri Jacob L. Alvarez (2025) Philippines 11:12min
Fantasy, Drama I Bacolod Premiere
A father returns home at night. His children should be sleeping, but instead they are hiding and scared. They tell the father that they think there's someone else in the house, and they convince him to go check.
Relyebo by Paul Ocampo Untalan (2025) Philippines 12:10min
Horror I World Premiere
After the doors close, a spirit wanders through the deserted theater, taking with it all the plays that have ever been performed. Acting when the lights are off and the seats are empty, he keeps the stories, the tragedies and the comedies alive. And so, without ever resting, the theater breathes.
Sa Taguangkan sang Duta by Emmanuel Lerona (2024) Philippines 22:21min
Drama I Bacolod Premiere
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A cast iron tub serves as the conduit for three dreams, each in conflict with the other. As the fantasies are realized, they begin to crumble around the dreamers and their hypocrisies are revealed.