Award-winning filmmaker Dustin Celestino returns to Cinemalaya with his latest full-length feature, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan (As the Hydra Devours History), screening from October 3 to 12, 2025 at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
The film follows four Filipinos struggling to navigate a country consumed by disinformation and historical amnesia. Kiko, a political strategist, begins to question the purpose of his lifelong fight for justice. Bea, a history professor, continues to teach a past her nation seems determined to erase. David, a disillusioned speechwriter, finds himself trapped in the very lies he once sought to dismantle. Meanwhile, Mela, an election lawyer, is forced to confront the painful family secrets she has long avoided. Each of them searches for meaning as truth fades, history blurs, and remembering becomes a radical act of resistance.
Celestino, known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant storytelling, once again delves deep into the heart of the Filipino struggle. His previous film, Ang Duyan ng Magiting, earned the Special Jury Prize and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Acting at Cinemalaya 2023, received seven Gawad Urian nominations including Best Picture, and was shortlisted as one of the Philippines’ potential submissions to the 96th Academy Awards. His earlier work Utopia (2019) won the Special Jury Prize at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival and earned him nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Beyond film, Celestino is a celebrated playwright and educator, having won six Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature between 2017 and 2024. His works have been staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Virgin Labfest, including Mga Eksena sa Buhay ng Kontrabida, Doggy, Fermata, and Ang Munting Liwanag sa Isang Madilim na Sulok ng Isang Serbeserya sa Maynila. He is also an alumnus of the Ricky Lee Screenwriting Workshop, Found Story School of Filmmaking, and several national writers’ workshops.
Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan stars an impressive ensemble cast featuring Dolly de Leon, Jojit Lorenzo, Zanjoe Marudo, and Mylene Dizon, with cinematography by Kara Moreno. Celestino directs from his own screenplay, bringing to life a film that is both deeply personal and politically urgent.
Other full length entries include Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, Bloom Where You Are Planted by Noni Abao, 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.
