A promise forged in childhood becomes the heart of “Kaka sa Yawan (Brothers by the River),” one of the finalists in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 Full-Length Category.
Directed by Alpha Habon, the coming-of-age drama follows Niko, a young man from Manila who returns to Mindoro years after a life-changing summer to fulfill a promise he made to his childhood friend, Ayan, a playful Tadyawan-Mangyan boy whose friendship forever changed the way he saw the world.
As Niko revisits the island that once broke him, memories of their unforgettable bond resurface. Together, the two boys dreamed of a future where they would never be separated. Now, torn between memory and reality, Niko confronts his fractured past, estranged identity, and lingering grief while learning to honor a friendship that continues to shape his life.
Beyond its emotional narrative, Kaka sa Yawan celebrates the rich traditions of the Mangyan-Tadyawan community, highlighting themes of intergenerational healing, identity, friendship, and the enduring power of promises kept.
Leading the cast are Beaver Magtalas, Bryce Nicolo Mercader, Dennis Dato, Noelle Polack, Nikki Valdez, Luis Alandy, Karl Medina, Queenay Mercado, Deanne Bautista, and Benedix Ramos.
Director Alpha Habon brings years of experience in film, television, and digital storytelling to the project. His body of work spans collaborations with major Philippine networks including ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5, as well as productions for Star Cinema and Viva. His previous works have been featured in festivals such as the Metro Manila Film Festival, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, CineFilipino, and CineSilip. Habon has also served as a writer and story producer for internationally recognized formats, including Last One Laughing PH and Drag Race Philippines.
Kaka sa Yawan joins the Cinemalaya 2026 Full-Length Category finalists: A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Mag-iina, Hand of God, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
Meanwhile, the finalists in the Short Film Category are Elenita Elena Elaine, Honey, My Love, So Sweet, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, kung paano kakalas., Para-Paraan (Finding a Way Through), Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, The Keeper, and The River Flows in Different Places.
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 runs from August 6 to 18, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza, selected Ayala Malls, and Gateway Cineplex.
