THE inaugural lineup of films at this year’s CineSilip Film Festival has undergone a meticulous review by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to ensure that every work is properly classified applying contemporary Filipino cultural values as general standard.

Running from October 22 to 28, the 2025 CineSilip Film Festival showcases seven films by emerging Filipino directors, who explore mature themes and unconventional storytelling.

All seven entries received an R-18 rating, indicating that the films contain elements such as strong language, violence, nudity or sexual content unsuitable for viewers under 18 years old.

The classification followed a comprehensive evaluation process by the Board’s review committees.

“Ang Lihim Ni Maria Makinang,” directed by Gian Arre, tells the story of a girl who appears and ages only during a full moon. The film contains multiple scenes depicting sexual activity and sexually-oriented nudity.

“Babae Sa Butas” by Rhance Añonuevo-Cariño, follows a tricycle driver’s encounter with a mysterious girl through a hole in the wall. It contains realistic depictions of sexual activity, violence, gore and sexually-oriented nudity.

“Haplos Sa Hangin” by Mikko Baldoza, delves into infidelity, obsession and moral decay as a man becomes entangled in an illicit affair that leads to emotional and psychological collapse. The film presents themes of lust, guilt and betrayal, framed in a dark, sensual tone.

“Maria Azama: Da Best P*rn Star” by Alan Habon, centers on a young man who indulges his sexual fantasies through a video of pornstar Maria.

“Pagdaong” by Pongs Leonardo, tells the story of a reclusive author, Luna, who is confronted by a curious young student, Jade, determined to uncover the meaning behind her haunting collection of poems.

“Salikmata” by BC Amparado, follows a young man forced to face the consequences of an illicit affair with a powerful politician’s daughter, unravelling a dark tale of manipulation, revenge and supernatural reckoning, told entirely in reverse.

Meanwhile, “Dreamboi” by Rodina Singh went from X to R-18. Said the review committee: “This is the 3rd version of the film “Dreamboi” submitted for review before the Board. Previous versions were determined to be inappropriate for public viewing.”

The committee noted that, “Dreamboi serves as a meaningful venue for transgender representation in Philippine cinema. Through the character of Diwa, the film portrays the emotional and sexual life of a trans woman with honesty and dignity, moving beyond stereotypes. Its treatment of sensuality is symbolic rather than exploitative, expressing the human longing for love, identity and acceptance. Artistically, it uses sound, light and intimacy to reveal the inner world of desire and isolation often unseen in mainstream narratives. While containing explicit material that warrants an R-18 classification, Dreamboi remains valuable for its authentic portrayal of marginalized experience and contribution to inclusivity in Philippine storytelling.”

The Board emphasized that it operates under a Committee system, ensuring that every film undergoes a thorough review based on established guidelines set forth in its Charter.

In the case of “Dreamboi,” the producers submitted three different versions of the film, each of which was reviewed by a separate review committee composed of three different distinct committee members, demonstrating the Board’s commitment to a fair, objective and meticulous classification process.

The MTRCB continues to encourage parents and supervising adults to use age-appropriate classifications as a guide in selecting films suitable for their families.

(ROHN ROMULO)