The 6th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition, a joint project by the Cinemalaya Foundation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Econolink Investments, opens on Friday, July 9, at the CCP, and will culminate on July 18.

The opening film is a trilogy entitled “Ganap na Babae” which stars Ms. Boots Anson Roa in one of the episodes. Her episode was directed by Rica Arevalo.

A total of 24 films will be in competition in the two categories: New Breed and Directors Showcase. The New Breed has two sub-categories, namely the Full Length Feature and the Short Feature. Competing in the Full Length Section are: “Halaw” by Sheron Dayoc; “Lubunan” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II; “Magkakapatid” by Kim Homer C. Garcia; “Mayohan” by Dan Villegas and Paul Sta. Ana; “Rekrut” by Danny Anonuevo; “Sampaguita” by Francis Xavier Pasion; “Si Techie, Si Teknoboy at si JuanaB,” by Art Katipunan; “The Leaving” by Ian-Dean S. Lorenos; and “Vox Populi” by Dennis Marasigan. The finalists of the Full Length Feature category were awarded an initial seen investment of P500,000 from Econolink Investments Inc. as a production grant.

Those competing in the Short Feature section are “Boca” by Zurich Chan, “Breakfast With Lolo” by Steven Flor; “Dalaw” by Janus Victoria; “Despedida” by Borgy Torre; “Faculty” by Jerrold Tarog; “Harang” by Mikhail Red; “Hay Pinhood Ya Scooter” by Hubert Tibi; “Lola” by Joey Agbayani; “P” by Milo Tolentino and “Wag Kang Titingin” by Pam Miras.

Meanwhile, in the Directors Showcase, big-name and established directors will add luster to this year’s Cinemalaya. They are Joel Lamangan (“Sigwa”), Mario O’Hara (“Ang Paglilitis ni Bonifacio”), Mark Meily (“Isang Pirasong Buhay”), Gil Portes (“Two Funerals”), and Joselito Altarejos (“Pink Halo-Halo”). The Directors Showcase features works by Filipino directors who have directed at least three full-length features films.

The Best Full Length Feature film will receive a prize of P200,000 and the Balanghai Trophy, while the Best Short Feature will receive P100,000 and a Balanghair Trophy. The Best Film in the Directors Showcase category will receive P300,000 and a Balanghai Trophy.

This year, Cinemalaya pays tribute to LVN Studios with a retrospective of LVN films, among them: “Aladdin” (starring Jaime dela Rosa, Norma Blancaflor), “Victory Joe” (Rogelio dela Rosa, Norma Blancaflor), “Sumpaan” (Ely Ramos, Norma Blancaflor), “Higit sa Lahat” (Rogelio dela Rosa, Emma Alegre), “Kundiman ng Lahi” (Eddie Rodriguez, Charito Solis), “Nukso ng Nukso” (Pugo, Bentot, Sylvia La Torre), “Sandata at Pangako” (Fernando Poe, Jr., Charito Solis), “Haring Kobra” (Rogelio dela Rosa, Lilia Dizon), and “Kung Ako’y Mahal Mo” (Nestor de Villa, Charito Solis).

In addition to the Competition films, Cinemalaya will also feature the following sections: NetPac films, special screenings, retrospective, Kids’ Treats, and Ani: A Harvest of the Year’s Best. Other highlights include the launch of two books, namely “The URIAN Anthology (1990-2000)” by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson, and “Filipino Directors Up Close & Personal: The Golden Ages of Philippine Cinema 1950-2010” by Bibsy Carballo.

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‘Spartacus’ airs July 10 on Max

A graphic and visceral new series entitled “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” will premiere in Asia on Saturday night at 10 on Max with two back-to-back episodes weekly at the same time.

Produced by award-winning producers Sam Raimi (“Spider-Man”), Rob Tapert (“The Grudge”), Joshua Donen (“The Quick and the Dead”), and Steven S. DeKnight (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was a break-out success in the US when it premiered recently.

The epic television series which features a unique mix of action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences, stars Australian actor Andy Whitfield (“McLeod’s Daughters”) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) as Lucretia, Johnn Hannah (“The Mummy”), as Batiatus.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on July 9 go to restaurateur Rod Ongpauco, Atty. Jessie Eustaquio, Baby Joson, Susan Dignadice Banaria, Cristina Ablaza, Mark Pierre C. Tobias, Cheryl de Leon, Ofelia Pumaren, Alexis De Jesus, Jhim Justine M. Lazatin, Linda Veronica dela Rea, Loretta Atienza-Lina, Cirilo Bautista, Veronica Velasco-Bayota of Napaset, Luna, La Union; Julius “Empoy” Marquez and Bam Romana.