Philippine Film Publication

Sine
Liwanag

Essays, reviews, and features of Philippine and world cinema — by young film lovers.

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Latest from our writers

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Essay

'Never Rarely Sometimes Always' and the Secret Language of Women

One thing that sets apart stories by men filmmakers from those by women filmmakers is that female characters from the latter speak their own language, one that transcends the fickleness of words.

May 2020
A

Review

Aftersun: The Quiet Desperation of Bringing Someone Back to Life

2022
C

Review

Crimes of the Future: Wallowing in the Dirt of Humanity

2022
"Named after Lino Brocka's Manila in the Claws of Light — a new light for Philippine cinema."

Sine Liwanag is an indie film publication composed of young film lovers from the Philippines. We publish essays, reviews, and features of Philippine and world cinema.

Our group aims to diversify local film criticism and to provide a platform for young and aspiring writers. We believe every voice deserves a stage.

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What we write

🎬
Reviews
In-depth critiques of Philippine and world cinema — from major releases to obscure gems.
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✍️
Essays
Long-form explorations of film theory, history, and the cultural politics of cinema.
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📋
Lists
Curated rankings — year-end picks, essential Filipino films, genre deep-dives and more.
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🏆
Festivals
Coverage of Cinemalaya, IFFR, TIFF, Sundance and the Philippine festival circuit.
Festival coverage →
Archive

Recent writing

01
Review
'Autobiography' Review: Embrace the Lies, or Else
January 2023
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02
Review
'The Ordinaries' Review: The Ultimate Manifestation of "Main Character Energy"
February 2023
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03
Festival
QCinema 2022: RainbowQC Shorts — Intimate Intensities of the Queer Filipino Experience
December 2022
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04
Review
Sundance 2022: 'Leonor Will Never Die' – A Love Letter to Filipino Cinema
February 2022
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05
Essay
'An Easy Girl': Gazing at Girlhood — On Sofia, Naïma, and the Power of Hedonism
August 2020
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Write for
Sine Liwanag

We're always looking for passionate voices to join our growing community of writers. Whether you want to submit a one-off piece or become a regular contributor — we want to hear from you.

Or email us directly at info@sineliwanag.com