The search for home amid displacement takes center stage in The River Flows in Different Places, one of the finalists in the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026.
Directed by Lot-lot Hermosura, the 19-minute documentary follows Filipino-Palestinian mothers Maha and Net, who were forced to flee Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7 war. As they recount their harrowing repatriation journey to the Philippines, the film explores what it means to rebuild a sense of home in a country that is both familiar and unfamiliar. Told through intimate interviews, family photographs, home videos, and illustrations, the documentary reflects on cultural duality, displacement, and the enduring power of memory.
Hermosura, a cultural worker and film educator, makes her directorial debut with the documentary. Currently completing her master’s degree at the University of the Philippines Film Institute, she focuses on gender studies and Philippine regional filmmaking while advocating for socially conscious cinema as one of the primary creative consultants of the Rebelde Film Group. Through The River Flows in Different Places, she shines a light on the Palestinian struggle for liberation through the lived experiences of Filipino-Palestinian mothers.
Joining Hermosura behind the camera is Yani Ali, who serves as editor, cinematographer, sound designer, and producer. The creative team also includes cinematographers Ange Frades, Ligia Daroy, and Juju, with an original musical score by Jonahue Potenciano. The documentary is executive produced by the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The River Flows in Different Places is among the finalists in the Cinemalaya 2026 Short Film Category, which also includes Elenita Elena Elaine, Honey, My Love, So Sweet, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, kung paano kakalas., Para-Paraan, Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, and The Keeper.
Meanwhile, the Full-Length Category finalists are A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Mag-iina, Hand of God, Kaka sa Yawan, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
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.
