Hand of God, the directorial debut of acclaimed Filipino writer Mark Duane Angos, is among the finalists in the Full-Length Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026.
Set in a remote village in Southern Philippines scarred by years of armed conflict, Hand of God tells the story of a child soldier who discovers hope through football while grappling with the life that war has chosen for him. As the possibility of a different future begins to unfold, he must decide whether to remain trapped in a cycle of violence or pursue a path of his own.
The film follows a military lieutenant who sets up a collapsible football goal in the village to teach children the sport as part of an effort to gain the trust of a community long suspected of harboring terrorists. What starts as a tactical mission gradually becomes deeply personal as he forms a meaningful bond with the village children, particularly Khaleel, a 10-year-old child soldier. Through their unlikely friendship, the soldier and the child inspire each other to dream beyond the realities of conflict, even as the harsh consequences of war threaten to shatter those dreams.
Leading the cast is Ruru Madrid, joined by Iza Calzado, Ronnie Lazaro, Sue Ramirez, and KD Omalin. The supporting cast includes Jhong Hilario, Cholo Barretto, Edwin Nombre, Rosh Barman, and Tyke Sanchez.
Hand of God marks a milestone for Angos, who has built an impressive career as a writer for film and television. A Philosophy graduate of San Beda College, he currently serves as a Creative Consultant for TV5 and has written more than 30 television and film projects. His credits include award-winning episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya and hit series such as Got To Believe, Forevermore, and Dolce Amore.
Angos also penned the acclaimed feature film Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko (Those Long Haired Nights), which premiered in the Window on Asian Cinema section of the Busan International Film Festival in 2017 before screening at international festivals, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. After studying directing and cinematography at the Mowelfund Film Institute, Hand of God serves as his first feature as a director.
Other Cinemalaya 2026 Full-Length Category finalists are A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, 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-Para-an, 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.
