The 17th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival was held from August 6 to September 5, 2021. Only short films were featured for this edition for the second consecutive year, with entrants streamed online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Entrant films were made available in the streaming platforms KTX.ph and Vimeo.
Entries The following are the final thirteen short films eligible for Best Picutre from at least 200 submissions. They were announced in June 2021.
The winning film is highlighted with boldface and a dagger.
Short films Title Director(s)Ang Sadit na Planeta Arjanmar H. RebetaAng Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa Kevin Jay AysonAte OG Kevin MayugaAng Pagdadalaga ni Lola Mayumi Shiri Francesca D. De Leon Beauty Queen † Myra AquinoCrossing Marc MisaKawatan Sa Salog Ralph John VelascoKids On Fire Kyle Nieva Looking For Rafflesias and Other Fleeting Things James FajardoMaski Papano Che TagyamonGlenn BaritNamnama en Lolang Jonnie Lyn DasallaOut of Body Enrico PoThe Dust in Your Place David Olson Awards The awards ceremony was held online on August 19, 2021.
Short films Best Short Film – Beauty Queen by Myra Aquino Special Jury Prize – Ang Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta Audience Choice Award – Ang Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta Best Direction – Kyle Nieva for Kids on Fire Best Screenplay – Kids on Fire NETPAC Award – Ang Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta References