The spelling of the word "Cinemalaya" follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "ci" is pronounced as /si/ where "c" is pronounced as /s/ and "i" as /i/ sound. The second syllable "ne" is pronounced as /neɪ/ where "n" and "e" are pronounced normally and "ɪ" as /eɪ/ sound. The last syllable "ma-laya" is pronounced as /maˈlajə/ where "ma" and "ya" are pronounced normally and "la" is pronounced as /lə/ sound. Together, the word's correct pronunciation is /siːnəˈmaːlajə/.
Cinemalaya refers to an annual independent film festival held in the Philippines. The word "cinemalaya" is a combination of the Filipino words "sinema," which means cinema or film, and "malaya," which translates to freedom or independence. As such, "Cinemalaya" can be understood as "cinema of freedom" or "independent cinema."
Established in 2005, Cinemalaya aims to promote and celebrate the creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence of Philippine independent films. It provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their works and encourages the production of independent films that tackle a wide range of themes, issues, and perspectives.
The festival features a competition section where a selection of Filipino independent films are screened and vying for recognition and awards. Cinemalaya also includes various non-competition sections, such as special presentations, retrospectives, tributes, and regional showcases, showcasing both local and international films.
Apart from film screenings, the festival also hosts forums, workshops, masterclasses, and other related events to foster learning and collaboration within the filmmaking community. Cinemalaya has become a significant event not only for filmmakers but also for film enthusiasts, critics, scholars, and industry professionals who want to engage with and appreciate the growth of independent cinema in the Philippines.
Overall, Cinemalaya represents a vibrant and dynamic platform that empowers filmmakers, encourages artistic freedom, and celebrates the richness of Philippine independent cinema.
The word "Cinemalaya" is a portmanteau of two words: "Cinema" and "Malaya".
1. Cinema: The term "Cinema" originates from the Greek word "kinema" meaning "movement" or "motion". It entered the English language during the late 19th century and refers to a place where films are shown or the art of filmmaking itself.
2. Malaya: The term "Malaya" is a Tagalog word used in the Philippines, which means "freedom" or "independence". It is derived from the Spanish word "malla" meaning "net" or "mesh", which was used to describe the uncharted territories of the archipelago during the Spanish colonization.