“Bloom Where You Are Planted,” directed, written, and produced by Noni Abao, is one of the highly anticipated entries in the Full-Length Category of the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which runs from October 3 to 12, 2025. Audiences can catch screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
The film tells the interconnected journeys of three land rights activists from Cagayan Valley as they face turbulent and often dangerous challenges that test their sense of home. Agnes, a passionate development worker, finds herself relentlessly pursued by the government. Amanda, a mother, artist, and activist, endures life behind bars while staying true to her convictions. Randy, a dedicated peace consultant, is tragically killed as he makes his way home. Together, their stories paint a compelling portrait of people who fight for justice despite fear, loss, and displacement.
Through vivid storytelling and powerful imagery captured by cinematographers Steven Evangelio and Mike Olea, “Bloom Where You Are Planted” immerses viewers in the landscapes and struggles of the Cagayan Valley region. The film reflects on how its protagonists attempt to rebuild a sense of home alongside the communities they serve, showing how the place they work to shape also shapes their identities. It is a meditation on resilience, courage, and the enduring human spirit that continues to seek belonging even when home feels out of reach.
Noni Abao is a Film graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman and works as a freelance producer and production manager for films and digital content. His documentary Dagami Daytoy (This Is Our Land) won Best Documentary at the 32nd Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video and at Yale Environment 360, and was screened at international festivals in Bangladesh, Malaysia, South Korea, and Nepal. In 2019, he produced Glenn Barit’s debut feature Cleaners and Che Tagyamon’s short Judy Free, both of which won Best Film at the 2019 QCinema International Film Festival. He is currently affiliated with Taripnong-Cagayan Valley, a network of professionals advocating for the concerns of Region 2.
Other full length entries include Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino, Padamlágan by Jenn Romano, Paglilitis by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon, 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.
