Manimalay: Coming February 2026
The Film's Promise
Promise 1: Cultural Integrity
Manimalay is presented not as a judgment, but as a living tradition that is deeply rooted, complex, and profoundly human. The film approaches the practice with care and sensitivity, honoring its cultural significance while truthfully acknowledging the compassion and harm that exist within it.
Hiligaynon Translation:
Ang Manimalay ginapakita indi bilang paghukom, kundi bilang isa ka buhi nga tradisyon nga madalom ang ginhalinan, komplikado, kag tama gid ka makatawhanon. Ang pelikula nagadangat sa sini nga praktis nga may paghalong kag kahilwayan sa paghangop, ginahalungan ang kultural nga bili sini samtang ginakilala sing matuod ang kalooy kag kasakit nga ara man sa sulod sini.
Promise 2: Ethical Representation
Rooted in the practice of Manimalay, the film resists exploitation and sensationalism by telling the story with restraint and respect. The characters are portrayed with dignity, allowing Manimalay to be seen as a lived cultural reality rather than a spectacle. Through this approach, poverty, generosity, and power dynamics are depicted with care, responsibility, and human depth.
Hiligaynon Translation:
Manimalay bilang praktis sa komunidad, ang pelikula nagalikaw sa eksploitasyon kag sensasyonalismo paagi sa mahinay kag respetado nga pagsaysay sang istorya. Ang mga karakter ginapakita nga may dignidad, ginatugutan ang Manimalay nga makita bilang isa ka ginabuhi nga kultural nga realidad kag indi bilang talan-awon. Sa sini nga paagi, ang kapigaduhon, pagkamaalwan, kag mga relasyon sang gahom ginapakita nga may paghalong, responsibilidad, kag kahiladman sang pagkatawo.
Promise 3: Community Memory
The film serves as an act of remembrance, giving voice to a practice that is rarely spoken about yet widely experienced. Through storytelling, it seeks to preserve cultural memory while gently questioning the norms passed down through generations.
Hiligaynon Translation:
Ang pelikula nagaserbe bilang isa ka buhat sang pagdumdum, nagadokumento sang isa ka praktis nga talagsa lang nahambalan apang madamo ang nakaagi. Paagi sa pagsaysay sang istorya, ginahalungan sini ang kultural nga panumduman samtang hinay nga ginapamangkot ang mga batasan kag pamatasan nga ginpanubli halin sa nagligad nga mga henerasyon.
Manimalay Cast
We are proud to introduce our main cast, whose talent, discipline, and deep commitment brought the characters of Manimalay from the page to life. What began as written roles became fully realized human stories through their performances, sensitivity, and dedication to the material.
Manimalay also celebrates and uplifts local talent from Negros Island, particularly from Sagay. This film stands as a testament to the depth, skill, and creative presence of artists in the region. Their work reflects the importance of continued support, proper training, and access to resources that allow local artists to grow and refine their craft.
At its core, Manimalay is a film shaped by local Filipino talent, grounded in community, and strengthened by the voices of the people who know the culture best.
Manimalay | Behind the Scenes
