Rooted in the mythical serpent of Philippine folklore that is said to cause eclipses by swallowing the moon, the Bakunawa Fest is a celebration of alternative, unconventional, and genre-specific storytelling. Now in its 13th edition—and presented in partnership with the 9th ASEAN Film Festival—the event is dedicated to showcasing:
Speculative and Genre Cinema: It highlights short and feature-length films spanning fantasy, horror, folklore, and speculative fiction from both Filipino and broader Southeast Asian filmmakers.
Regional Cultural Exchange: By bringing together films from the Philippines and neighboring ASEAN countries, the festival explores the shared mythologies, creative traditions, cultural similarities, and unique identities of the region.
Accessible Public Engagement: Running from October 21 to November 15 across diverse venues—including historic locations like the Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila, as well as Iloilo, Bacolod, and Quezon City—the festival offers completely free screenings to students, film enthusiasts, and the general public to foster a vibrant community of moviegoers.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) supports initiatives like the Bakunawa Fest because it aligns closely with its mission to preserve heritage, promote independent artistic expression, and foster regional diplomacy.
Photos below, the Centro de Turismo Intramuros situated within the historic ruins of the Old San Ignacio Church, provides a distinctive backdrop for screenings for Bakunawa fest
One of the festival’s key venues is the Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila, situated within the historic ruins of the Old San Ignacio Church along Arzobispo Street. The venue provides a distinctive backdrop for screenings, bringing contemporary cinema into conversation with the Philippines’ rich history and cultural heritage. As audiences express enthusiasm for more opportunities to experience independent films, the rapid filling of available slots underscores the importance of sustaining accessible platforms for alternative cinema. The festival creates opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect through stories shaped by imagination, folklore, and shared cultural experiences. By bringing cinema into a historic setting, the event establishes a meaningful meeting point for heritage, creativity, and public engagement.
Specifically, the project is vital for several reasons:
Championing Independent Voices and Bold Storytelling: The overwhelming public demand and rapid filling of screening slots demonstrate a strong, growing appetite for cinematic experiences outside of mainstream releases. The NCCA’s support helps give visibility to emerging, independent filmmakers who push creative boundaries.
Bridging History and Contemporary Art: By utilizing significant cultural venues—such as the historic ruins of the Old San Ignacio Church in Intramuros—the festival cleverly places contemporary cinema in direct conversation with the Philippines' rich history, proving that heritage sites can remain dynamic, living spaces for modern public engagement.
Strengthening ASEAN Cultural Ties: The collaboration with the ASEAN Film Festival acts as a vital tool for regional diplomacy and community building. Running from October 21 to November 15, the joint festival reaching audiences across Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Quezon City, encourages Filipino audiences to look beyond their borders and appreciate the diverse creative voices, myths, and contemporary issues shaping the wider Southeast Asian community.
All screenings and festival programs are free of charge. Access full schedule here for the rest of November 2026:
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