A single video threatens to expose a powerful political figure in A.ni.mál, Dustin Celestino’s black comedy and social satire that explores power, accountability, and family conflict as part of the Full-Length Category finalists of the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Set in an unnamed provincial town in the Philippines, A.ni.mál follows Lily, the naïve daughter of a mayor, who returns home with a compromising video showing a powerful family friend, the governor, abusing his dog. What begins as an ordinary day quickly turns into a battle of loyalty, truth, and personal agendas.
As the mayor attempts to protect his longtime ally from scandal, tensions escalate within his own household. His wife, Ofel, sees an opportunity to reveal the truth to the governor’s wife, while Lily threatens to release the video publicly unless the governor gives up his beloved dog.
Through a darkly humorous lens, A.ni.mál examines the complexities of political influence, family relationships, and the struggle between doing what is right and protecting personal interests.
Directed and written by Dustin Celestino, the film stars Maxine Ignacio, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Jojit Lorenzo, Anthony Falcon, Bituin Escalante, and Reymund Domingo. Running for 120 minutes, the film blends black comedy and social satire to deliver a sharp commentary on Philippine society.
Celestino is a multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker, playwright, and educator whose works have been recognized across film, theater, and literature. His 2023 film Ang Duyan ng Magiting (The Cradle of the Brave) won the Special Jury Prize and Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Acting at Cinemalaya, earned seven Gawad Urian nominations including Best Picture, and was shortlisted as one of the Philippines’ potential entries for the 96th Academy Awards.
His previous film Utopia (2019) received recognition at Cinema One Originals, while his literary and theatrical works have earned him nine Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards from 2017 to 2025. His body of work includes acclaimed plays such as Fermata, Birdie, Elehiya (Elegy), and A.ni.mál.
Joining A.ni.mál in the Cinemalaya 2026 Full-Length Category are 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Hand of God, Mag-iina, Kaka Sa Yawan, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
Meanwhile, the Short Film Category finalists are Elenita Elena Elaine, Honey, My Love, So Sweet, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, Kung Paano Kakalas, Para-Paraan, Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, The Keeper, and The River Flows in Different Places.
The 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will run from August 6 to 18 at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, selected Ayala Malls cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex, featuring the latest works from Filipino independent filmmakers.
