Daniel de la Cruz’s Hasang (Gills) is set to make waves at Cinemalaya 2025 as part of the short film category, offering an absurdist yet heartfelt look at love, grief, and the mystical ties between humans and nature. The 16-minute film screens from October 3 to 12, 2025, with audiences able to catch it at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
The film tells the story of Boni, a young boy from a rural community steeped in the belief that the dead transform into animals and return to the wilderness. One summer, Boni is entrusted with caring for his grandmother, only to witness her slowly transform into a tilapia. As the transformation progresses, Boni is caught between love, fear, and helplessness. His journey becomes one of acceptance, letting go, and embracing the mystical truths of his world, all while confronting the slow deterioration of the world around him.
De la Cruz, an independent filmmaker from Western Visayas, uses Hasang to amplify the voices and stories of his region. A broadcasting graduate from West Visayas State University, he is passionate about telling narratives that reflect the lives of the people he calls home, hoping his work allows others to feel seen and heard.
The film stars Igan James Nualda, with a dedicated production team including cinematographers Christian Selerio and Elmer Gatoc, production design by Lynden John Tajolosa and team, original music by Koji Tapispisan, and sound design by Marie Claire Go. De la Cruz serves as director, screenwriter, editor, and producer.
With its striking imagery and emotionally charged narrative, Hasang (Gills) promises to be a memorable entry at Cinemalaya 2025, inviting viewers to reflect on the spiritual and emotional dimensions of grief, transformation, and the bonds that connect us to nature.
Other Cinemalaya 2025 short film entries are Ascension from the Office Cubicle by Hannah Silvestre, Figat by Handiong Kapuno, I’m Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idioma, Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit by Marie Estela Paiso, Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman sang Lawod by Seth Andrew Blanca, Please Keep This Copy by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta, Radikals by Arvin Belarmino, The Next 24 Hours by Carl Joseph Papa, and Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren.
Meanwhile, full length entries include Bloom Where You Are Planted by Noni Abao, Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino, Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Paglilitis by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon, Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, Padamlágan by Jenn Romano, Raging by Ryan Machado, Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla, and Warla by Kevin Alambra.
