The CineGoma Film Festival continues to thrive six years on as a unique platform where storytelling meets industry support — and this time, with indie film legend Raymond Red lending his voice and experience to the cause.
Spearheaded by Xavier Cortez, CEO and founder of RK Rubber Enterprises Co., CineGoma began as a passion project rooted not in profit, but in purpose.
“Kung gusto lang talaga namin ng pera, nag-focus na lang po kami sa goma,” Cortez says with sincerity. “CineGoma po, talagang ginagawa namin ‘yan for the love of the art.”
He emphasizes the festival’s goal: to give aspiring filmmakers and storytellers a stage to express their ideas, while also reflecting the everyday lives of the very people in RK Rubber’s workforce.
This year’s theme, “May Kwento ang Bawat Laban,” sets the tone for an edition focused on social relevance and resilience.
“I want our entries to be inspiring,” Cortez says. “I want it to discuss ongoing societal ills, and how we could rise above it.”
The festival, however, draws a clear line when it comes to divisive content: films that oppose government, religious, or specific groups will not be accepted.
“We want to be neutral here. We want to open discussions, not create conflict,” Cortez adds.
Red, known internationally for his visionary works, was drawn to the initiative because of his own struggles early in his career. “I like the idea,” Red shares. “For the industry to prosper, we need platforms like this. The initiative makes me feel hopeful about the future of local cinema.”
With artificial intelligence making waves in creative industries, CineGoma is also choosing to embrace the inevitable. The festival has opened a category for AI-assisted films, though with clear philosophical boundaries.
For Red, AI should serve as a tool—not a crutch. “AI is a tool. It should not be the end all and be all of your existence as a filmmaker,” he asserts. “You could use it to gain ideas, but we should still be creative enough as individuals to go beyond the thing.”
Red goes further, warning that as AI-generated content becomes more common, audiences will begin seeking authenticity again.
“Darating tayo sa point na kahit gaano kaganda ‘yung AI, alam natin na AI ‘yung pinapanood natin… hahanapin din natin ulit ‘yung authenticity, ‘yung soul,” he says.
Deadline for submission of entries is on Aug. 5.
