CINEMARTYRS

Cinemartyrs (2025)

Directed by: Sari Dalena

This movie can be a lot of things.

Minsan, akala mo nasa loob ka ng isang classroom at nakikinig sa nonstop lectures ng professors. Minsan, parang nakahithit ka at napasama sa acid trip ng ibang tao.

Despite the weirdness of it all, you ask for more.

The actors look so committed with what they’re doing. You trust them that this movie is worth more than what it seems.

As you wait, the weirdness is brought to the next level. For some reasons, you can’t laugh about it. There’s authenticity and intimacy in the scenes. Ambitions are so high, yet the performances remain grounded. The musical scoring really fuels the chakra that the movie has.

All you have to do is be respectful and be patient—which is quite a challenge since some scenes feel unnecessary long and uncalled for. Behold because you will be rewarded by the end. Though the journey is tough, the destination puts everything into perspective.

The montage beautifully captures the essence of the story. Even as the credits roll, the film takes its time. This is their moment. No one is taking away the spotlight from them.

And so yes, this can be a lot of things.

But let them have it, because they deserve it.

𝑪𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑻𝒀𝑹𝑺

Cast: Nour Hooshmand, lana Bernardez, Bong Cabrera, Nor Domingo, Victor Medina, Laila Ulao, Shane Bernabe, Yian Gabriel, Giancarlo Abrahan, Soliman Cruz, Rolando Inocencio, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Dax Alejandro, Roving Roven, Neldy Jolo, Rob Rownd, Daniel Palisa, Cedrick Juan, Angel Aquino, Lav Diaz

Screenplay by: Sari Dalena, Keith Sicat

Release Date: October 4-11, 2025 for Cinemalaya 2025

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews