Cheska Marfori’s Paglilitis (A Trial) is set to premiere at Cinemalaya 2025, tackling the timely and urgent issue of workplace sexual harassment and the pursuit of justice in the age of social media.
The film follows Jonalyn Samuel, a former executive assistant who has quietly lived in seclusion for years after enduring pervasive sexual harassment at work. Her life changes when a passionate lawyer persuades her to file a case against her former employer, the powerful CEO of one of the country’s biggest companies.
Initially reluctant, Jonalyn is told that times have changed and that the new generation, empowered and outspoken, will stand behind her fight. Encouraged, she files the case and gains overwhelming support online. But as the trial progresses, the same social media platforms that gave her hope turn hostile, twisting the narrative and painting her as the perpetrator rather than the victim.
Marfori, known for centering her work on women’s struggles amid shifting cultural norms, first made her mark with Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert (The Broken Vinyl Record), which won Best Director at the CineSpectra Film Festival and became a finalist at the 2020 Cinemalaya Short Film Festival. Her short Saka Na (Someday) also placed in the Top 10 at Nespresso Talents 2021. She further developed her craft through workshops with acclaimed filmmakers Jun Robles Lana, Ricky Lee, and Bing Lao, as well as international programs such as Kyoto Filmmakers Lab and Platform Busan.
The screenplay for Paglilitis was written by Raymund Barcelon, who also serves as executive producer and producer. Barcelon is an accomplished writer for television, online platforms, and theater, and teaches screenwriting at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The screenplay won the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature in 2024.
The film stars Rissey Reyes-Robinson, Eula Valdez, Leo Martinez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Sid Lucero, Bombi Plata, Rolando Inocencio, Cherry Malvar, and Barbara Miguel, with cinematography by Sol Garcia, LPS.
Paglilitis screens as part of Cinemalaya 2025, running from October 3 to 12, 2025. Audiences can catch screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
Other full length entries include Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Bloom Where You Are Planted by Noni Abao, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino, Padamlágan by Jenn Romano, Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla, Raging by Ryan Machado, and Warla by Kevin Alambra.
Meanwhile, the short film competition features entries such as Ascension from the Office Cubicle by Hannah Silvestre, Figat by Handiong Kapuno, Hasang by Daniel de la Cruz, 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.
