Maria Estela Paiso returns to Cinemalaya 2025 with Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit (Objects Do Not Randomly Fall from the Sky), a 10-minute docufiction that weaves personal memory with political reality. The short film is set to screen under the Short Film Category at Cinemalaya 2025, running from October 3 to 12, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
The film follows young Sita, who recalls nearly drowning as a child, while her mother admits she never learned to swim despite growing up by the sea. In a poetic and surreal turn, the two transform into half-fish, half-humans and swim through memories of their turbulent past in Zambales. As they traverse their personal history, they listen to local fisherfolk recount stories of territorial aggression in the West Philippine Sea, confronting both intimate and collective trauma.
Paiso, known for her bold and genre-bending storytelling, first made waves with Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol (It’s Raining Frogs Outside), and was part of the 2024 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight Directors’ Factory. In her latest work, she continues to blend experimental form with urgent socio-political themes, amplifying the voices of communities at the frontlines of maritime conflict.
The cast features Leonardo Cuaresma, Joel Elejorde, Luis Fontilla, Ranel Madela, Rea Jane Realizo, Noraiza Alog, Moises Dulatre, Sylvia Reyes, and Maria Estela Paiso herself. Behind the scenes, Paiso serves as director, screenwriter, editor, and stop-motion animator, with cinematography by Eric Bico and an original score by Kashira.
Other Cinemalaya 2025 short film entries are 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, 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.
