Cinegoma Film Festival marked its sixth year with a collaboration that bridges cinema and heritage.
In partnership with the Intramuros Administration, Cinegoma hosted special screenings at the Teatro inside Fort Santiago, Intramuros, showcasing short films centered on Philippine indigenous communities.
The event featured Charmain Tadlas’ “Ibayo,” Ariel Dela Cruz’s “Pangako Sa Tuktok, Daraitan,” and two films by Cinegoma founder and RK Rubber Enterprise CEO Xavier Cortez: “Taympers” and “Laag Ta.”
All four titles celebrate marginalized voices often left outside mainstream storytelling.
Cortez said the initiative aimed to amplify those narratives.
“Gusto lang namin maitawid sa mga manonood na katulad ng karamihan sa atin ang ating mga indigenous brothers and sisters ay may mga kuwento rin. Mahalaga rin ang mga boses nila. Nais lang naman sila mabigyan ng pansin through these screenings para i-uplift sila.”
Cinegoma’s origins are unusual in the festival landscape. It began as a leadership and unity training program within RK Rubber, where employees were challenged to create films that reflected both engineering skills and creative thinking. Cortez found that filmmaking nurtured new strengths in the team while allowing him to explore a deep personal passion.
Resilience, a core trait of RK Rubber products, became part of Cinegoma’s identity. This year’s theme, “May Kwento ang Bawat Laban,” underscores that connection, celebrating stories of struggle and perseverance.
Cannes-winning filmmaker Raymond Red, Cinegoma’s co-festival director and creative consultant, believes the festival is now entering a crucial phase, building its reputation through meaningful community engagement and accessible screenings.
All Cinegoma events remain free for both filmmakers and audiences, with RK Rubber supporting the costs.
Following its Intramuros showcase, Cinegoma is preparing for its 2025 edition, which will run from November 24 to 29.
