Who We Are
An indie film publication by young film lovers from the Philippines — named after a Lino Brocka classic.
Sine Liwanag is a new 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 that film criticism is not the exclusive domain of academics or established media — every thoughtful voice deserves a stage.
We cover the full spectrum: Filipino indie films at Cinemalaya and QCinema, mainstream Philippine releases, international festival darlings from Sundance and IFFR to TIFF, and everything in between.
If you would like to submit a piece or become a regular writer, feel free to send us an email at info@sineliwanag.com.
"Named after Lino Brocka's Manila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag — Manila in the Claws of Light — one of the greatest Filipino films ever made."
The story behind our name
Lino Brocka's 1975 masterpiece is widely considered a landmark of Philippine and world cinema — a searing portrait of Manila that burns with compassion and righteous fury. In naming ourselves after it, we honor both the film and the tradition of Philippine cinema it represents: a cinema that does not flinch, that sees clearly, and that holds a light up to the world.
Sine Liwanag is a collective of young writers, cinephiles, and critics from the Philippines. Our contributors come from diverse backgrounds — but share a common love of cinema and a belief in the power of critical writing.
Follow Sine Liwanag across platforms for film coverage, quick takes, and festival dispatches.