Calgary 
Events Description
SineMa 2026 (short for Sine Mabuhay) is a dynamic celebration of multicultural storytelling through film, spotlighting the voices of Filipino Canadian filmmakers alongside acclaimed works from the Philippines. Hosted at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, the 2026 edition expands beyond cinema by integrating music and dance into its programming, reflecting the venue’s creative energy and elevating the audience experience.
This year’s festival presents a vibrant convergence of film, music, and cultural expression, positioning SineMa 2026 as a compelling platform for artistic exchange, community engagement, and the celebration of Filipino and diasporic identity.
SineMa 2026 is presented by Fiesta Filipino, the National Music Centre, and the Philippine Consulate General.
Opening Night: Treasure of the Rice Terraces
Kick off SineMa 2026 with an opening ceremony featuring vibrant Cordillera performances and the screening of Treasure of the Rice Terraces.
About Treasure of the Rice Terraces
Director: Kent Donguines
When a Filipino Canadian filmmaker returns to his homeland to reconnect with his roots, he learns about the ancient art of Kalinga tattooing from the legendary 108-year-old artist, Apo Whang-od, discovering how this once-forgotten tradition has shaped the Filipino identity today.
Runtime: 75 minutes
Local Shorts Block
Experience Daluyong, a powerful showcase of Filipino Canadian short films exploring identity, migration, queerness, and connection to land and memory.
Daluyong (swell) flowed through SineMa as an art-house gathering of documentary and narrative shorts by Filipino Canadian filmmakers, stories shaped by quiet yet powerful undercurrents of queerness, migration, land, and belonging.
Like water, identity shifted and surged: resilient, tender, and deeply rooted in memory and place.
Alongside film, music carried the tide — echoing our histories, amplifying our voices, and holding space for reflection and connection. Together, image and sound moved as one current, reminding us that our stories do not stand still — they rise, return, and resonate.
Closing Feature: Ang Larawan
Close out SineMa 2026 with Ang Larawan, a powerful final feature that brings the festival to a striking and unforgettable finish. Join us for an evening of bold storytelling and reflection as we celebrate the journeys, histories, and voices that shaped this year’s program.
About Ang Larawan
Director: Loy Arcenas
Set in pre-World War II in Intramuros (Old Manila), sisters Candida and Paula Marasigan, daughters of high profile painter, Don Marasigan, deal with financial hardship after their father’s claim of an artistic drought. It features original music by Ryan Cayabyab and the Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a script penned by National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio.
Who is it for?
Language: Tagalog/Filipino
HOW MUCH
Tickets :
Opening Night: Treasure of the Rice Terraces
$9 + GST
Local Shorts Block
Show only: $5
Show + Studio Bell Admission: $19.50+ GST
Closing Feature: Ang Larawan
Free with Registration
How to get tickets?
Phone: 4035435115
Email: info@studiobell.ca
WHEN & WHERE
Date:
Opening Night: Treasure of the Rice Terraces
Friday, June 19, 2026
Doors: 7:00 pm. Show: 7:30 pm.
Program
7:00 pm Red Carpet
7:30 pm – 7:45 pm Opening Ceremonies / Cordillera music and dances (indigenous performances from Northern Philippines)
7:45 pm – 9:00 pm Feature Film Screening
9:00 pm – 9:30 pm Feature Film Q&A / Networking
Local Shorts Block
Saturday June 20, 2026
Doors: 1:00 pm. Show: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Program
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Doors Open
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm Local Shorts Block (Canada-focused)
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Filmmaker Q&A
Closing Feature: Ang Larawan
Saturday June 20, 2026
6:30 pm Doors Open
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Final Philippine Feature Film – Ang Larawan
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm Closing Remarks
Venue & Address
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1
Wheelchair accessible
Free Parking
Street Parking
Paid Parking
Accessible by Public Transport
