The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 entry Ganggang will be screened at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Main Auditorium on October 20, giving students an opportunity to explore the realities of rural communities through independent filmmaking.
Organized by the FEU Department of Communication, the special screening will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by a talkback session with director JL Burgos, allowing members of the university community to discuss the film and its social themes.
Set in rural Bulacan, Ganggang follows three young boys whose friendship begins with a shared mission to find the ultimate fighting spider to defeat Anton, their school bully. The boys are Mel, a newcomer from the city; Ilay, the child of desaparecidos, or people who have been forcibly disappeared; and Tenten, the son of a farmer-activist.
What begins as a childhood adventure gradually exposes the boys to challenges that extend beyond schoolyard rivalries, placing their friendship against the backdrop of social conflict and human rights concerns.
The film features child actors Raine Dela Cruz, Kenneth “Butchoy” Vincent Mendoza, Don Rishmond Cerbito, and Prince España. They are joined by Elora Españo, Hershey Neri, Brian Arda, Don Melvin Boongaling, Katrish Aristoki, Pau Benitez, Anton Nolasco, Francis Mata, Tabs Sumulong, Manuel Genabe, Pio Raphael Benedicto, Jers Guiwa, Raphael Del Prado, Jhaniel Pellado, Rencel Bago, Gene Trillana, Dave Ignacio, Wesley “Budoy” San Sebastian, Marian Lavado, April Obnamia, and Alicia Bea Obligado.
Burgos worked with executive producer and editor Mona Nieva, associate producers Nessa S. Valdellon, Atty. Tony La Viña, and E&H Productions, as well as line producer Juvz Tesalona. The production team also includes cinematographer Mac Cosico, production designer Jevie Conde Cabiling, musical scorer RJ Mabilin, sound designers Drew Milallos and Anna de Dios, and assistant director Abdel Langit.
Known for his award-winning documentary Alipato at Muog, which received multiple honors at Cinemalaya XX, the 2025 FAMAS Awards, and the 2025 Gawad Urian, Burgos continues to use filmmaking as a platform for human rights advocacy.
Through Ganggang, the director seeks to move beyond statistics and headlines by presenting the lives of people affected by human rights abuses in rural communities. The film examines why ordinary people continue to speak out, resist intimidation, and stand up for their beliefs despite facing powerful forces.
FEU Department of Communication Program Chair Ma. Monica Lourdes L. Ollet said the screening offers students an opportunity to reflect on the role of storytelling in shaping perspectives and encouraging social awareness.
“More than a film viewing, this is an opportunity to reflect on how stories can shape our perspectives, foster empathy, and encourage social awareness,” Ollet shared.
“May this film challenge us to see beyond entertainment and better understand the realities, struggles, and aspirations of others, and take action in our communities,” she added.
Through its special screening at FEU, Ganggang brings independent cinema into the academic setting, encouraging students to engage with stories that examine social realities, human rights, and the experiences of communities often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
