DAVAO — The Kadayawan Festival is not just about vibrant parades and bountiful harvests. Starting August 10, the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Davao will open its doors for four days of free film screenings that celebrate Mindanawon culture, amplify Indigenous voices, and tell stories found nowhere else.
A Free Cinema Experience for All
The event, titled Dayaw: Arts, Culture, and Film Festival, runs from August 10 to 13, 2026, with all screenings offered completely free of charge. Organizers designed the festival to make independent cinema accessible to everyone, from students to families to tourists seeking a deeper connection with the region. No tickets, no fees—just a seat and a story waiting to unfold.
The lineup features a powerful collection of feature films, documentaries, and short films that explore themes of identity, resilience, and tradition. Each screening is a window into the soul of Mindanao, told by the very people who live its stories. Viewers can expect raw, honest, and visually stunning works that challenge mainstream narratives and celebrate local artistry.
Stories That Celebrate Mindanawon Culture
The festival opens on August 10 with Tu Pug Imatuy, an award-winning drama inspired by true events, following a Lumad Manobo couple’s struggle to protect their land and dignity. On August 11, the Maguindanaon film Daughters of the Three-Tailed Banner portrays a matriarch’s effort to preserve her family’s future after the loss of their last male heir. These films place Indigenous perspectives at the forefront, offering audiences a rare glimpse into communities often overlooked by commercial cinema.
On August 12, The Highest Peak, shot on the slopes of Mount Apo, tells the emotional journey of a man seeking healing through a trek across Mindanao’s highest mountain. Accompanying short films like Bantay Bukid and Black Rainbow delve into environmental advocacy and youth empowerment. The festival closes on August 13 with Huwebes Huwebes, a collaborative feature that captures the pulse of everyday life in Davao.
A Festival of Unity and Heritage
The screenings are part of the broader Kadayawan Festival, which honors Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic communities through music, dance, and storytelling. Cinema, in this context, becomes more than entertainment—it is a tool for cultural preservation and a bridge between generations. By showcasing these films, the festival ensures that the voices of the Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Maguindanaon, and other tribes are heard and celebrated.
The Cinematheque Centre Davao, a dedicated space for Philippine cinema, provides the perfect venue for this cultural exchange. Its intimate setting encourages discussion and reflection, making each film a shared experience rather than a passive viewing. Attendees are invited not just to watch but to connect, ask questions, and carry the stories forward.
Where and When to Watch
All screenings will be held at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Davao along Palma Gil Street, with schedules varying each day. Admission is free and operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive early to secure seats, bring friends, and immerse themselves in a cinematic celebration of Mindanao’s rich heritage.
