MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will open with The Elysian Field, a NETPAC Award-winning film by acclaimed Indian director Pradip Kurbah, on October 3, 2025, at the Red Carpet Cinemas of Shangri-La Plaza.
Making its Philippine premiere, the film tells the story of six remaining residents in a secluded village in Meghalaya, India, who confront grief, solitude, and resilience amid the mass exodus of neighbors migrating to the city.
Set in the year 2047 against the sweeping landscapes of the East Khasi Hills, The Elysian Field follows Livingstone, a widower who embarks on a spiritual journey aboard a vintage bus as he carries the memory of his late wife. His pilgrimage unfolds alongside the intertwined struggles and aspirations of his fellow villagers, weaving together moments of love, loss, and human connection.
Shot across four seasons to reflect the cycles of life, the film underscores the importance of solidarity and companionship in the later years of life. Kurbah envisions himself in these characters, projecting how care, community, and the dynamics of aging may evolve in the decades ahead.
“The story explores the choices elderly individuals face between loneliness and solitude, emphasizing that it is their decision to make — not their children or society’s,” Director Kurbah said, concluding that the film portrays the resilience and strength that emerges from embracing change and cherishing the connections that matter most.
Earlier this year, The Elysian Field premiered at the Moscow International Film Festival, where it won Best Director, Best Film, and the NETPAC Award.
Now in its 21st year, Cinemalaya carries the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos,” a reflection of the independent film community’s persistence in navigating an ever-shifting cinematic landscape. Opening with The Elysian Field highlights the festival’s commitment to storytelling that examines the human condition with sensitivity and depth.
The Philippine premiere is free to the public and will be screened on October 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Cinema 1 of Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis two hours before the show.
For more information, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and www.cinemalaya.org, or follow CCP and Cinemalaya’s official accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
