A priest and a taxi driver are forced to confront their deepest moral conflicts in Tirik (To Set Upright), one of the finalists in the Full-Length Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026.
Directed by May-i Guia Padilla, the film is set against the backdrop of Manila during the height of the drug war. It follows Paring Bert, a steadfast priest, and Santos, a taxi driver haunted by his past, whose ordinary funeral visit takes a dangerous turn after they become targets of an assassination attempt.
As the two men flee through the city’s unforgiving streets and quieter rural landscapes, their journey becomes more than a fight for survival. Burdened by guilt and searching for redemption, they are forced to confront the fragile boundaries between sin and salvation, justice and vengeance. Blending moments of humanity, grim humor, and quiet tension, Tirik poses a compelling question: How far will a person go to make peace with themselves, and what must be sacrificed to set things right?
For Padilla, Tirik marks a significant milestone in her creative journey. After spending more than two decades working across art, media, and education, she makes her narrative feature directorial debut with the film. Having previously created short films, documentaries, animated works, and advertising projects, Padilla describes herself first and foremost as a visual communicator, making Tirik the culmination of years of storytelling and collaboration.
The film stars Rocco Nacino, Floyd Tena, Chai Fonacier, Jess Mendoza, Glenn Sevilla Mas, Justin Mclaire, Brian Arda, Hershey Neri, Bor Ocampo, and Hope Summer Skye. Padilla also serves as the film’s screenwriter, editor, and producer alongside screenwriter and producer Charlson Ong.
Tirik joins this year’s Cinemalaya 2026 Full-Length Category finalists, which include A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Hand of God, Kaka sa Yawan, Mag-iina, Status: Rejected, and Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam.
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, 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.
