Filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa returns to the festival circuit with The Next 24 Hours, a powerful animated short competing in the Short Film Category of Cinemalaya 2025, which runs from October 3 to 12, 2025. Screenings will be held at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex.
The 14-minute drama follows Sheila, a 29-year-old woman living in Metro Manila, as she navigates the harrowing aftermath of a sexual assault. Over the span of one day, she endures the indifference of a cold healthcare system, hides her trauma at work, and resists the manipulative hold of her assailant. Consumed by fear, shame, and disbelief, Sheila struggles to reclaim her safety, sanity, and sense of control in a society that often fails to protect survivors.
Papa, best known for his groundbreaking animated feature Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing), the first Philippine animated film submitted to the Academy Awards for Best International Feature, brings his distinct visual and emotional storytelling to this deeply intimate and urgent narrative. His body of work has been recognized at prestigious festivals including Annecy, Palm Springs, Rotterdam, and BIFAN, cementing his place as one of the most vital voices in contemporary Philippine cinema.
The film features Christela Marquez in the lead role, with Papa serving as director, editor, producer, and animator. The production team includes Jasmine Mendoza-Yu (screenplay), Johmar Damiles (cinematography), Aurthur Mercader (production design), EJ Aguado (original music score), and Nicholai Minion (sound design), alongside a dedicated animation team led by Louie Mercader.
The Next 24 Hours offers an unflinching look at trauma and survival, shedding light on the silence, struggle, and resilience of women whose stories demand to be seen and heard.
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, Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit by Maria Estela Paiso, Radikals by Arvin Belarmino, Please Keep This Copy by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta, 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.
