One of the country's top movie producers, Cinema One Originals, has announced this year's list of five finalists for the 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival Competition.

The finalists are Melvin Brito, for his film "Bala-Bala", Richard Legaspi for "Cyclone Loop", Nap Jamir for "Maximus and Minimus", Milo Tolentino for his film "Si Baning, Si Maymay at ang Asong Si Bobo", and Ray Gibraltar for "Wanted: Border."

In what proves to be yet another diverse and imaginative showing of Philippine cinematic genius, each film entry represents a broad range of genres from love stories to comedies guaranteed to make waves both in the Philippine and international scene and lead local cinema to new heights.

Melvin Brito's "Bala-Bala" (which means "pretending" in the Batangueño dialect) is described as a "whimsical-mystery-fantasy" about a pair of faith healers on a journey of discovery into supernatural lore. Brito, who hails from San Jose town in Batangas, has co-directed an independent thriller with Joross Gamboa titled "Sumpa." He is also a creative writer and segment producer for the noontime show "Eat Bulaga."

"Cyclone Loop" by Richard Legaspi, meanwhile, promises to be an "offbeat love story" and a much-awaited follow-up to his multi-awarded film "Ambulancia." The latter film won the Miglior Montaggio Award at the San Gio International Film Fetival held in Italy last year and was shown in Dubai and France. Legaspi will also soon release an independent feature he co-wrote titled "Handumanan" (Remembrance) starring Chin Chin Gutierrez, Jason Abalos, and Akihiro Sato.

Cinematographer Nap Jamir makes a splash with his directorial debut in the light comedy "Maximus and Minimus", written by Jim Flores. Jamir received the 2006 Gawad Urian Best Cinematography award for his work on "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" and was also nominated at the 2004 Gawad Urian for his cinematographic work on the comedy-drama "Bridal Shower" directed by Jeffrey Jeturian.

In his foray into children's film, Rommel Tolentino's "Si Baning, Si Maymay, at ang Asong si Bobo" (Baning, Maymay, and a Dog Named Stupid) explores the "playful spirit of a Filipino child." Tolentino is perhaps best known for his film "Andong" which won the Best Short Screenplay and Best Short Film at the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, and the Sonje Award for Best Short Film at the 2008 Pusan International Film Festival in Japan. He was also nominated for the 2006 and 2007 Gawad Urian awards for his film "Orasyon."

Finally, Ray Gibraltar's dark comedy "Wanted: Border" tells the story of a group of people looking for refuge but are instead dragged into their "biggest nightmare." A native of Iloilo, Gibraltar's famous 72-minute documentary narrative "When Tamaya Meets Delagdo" won the Best Editing award at last year's Gawad Urian.

Each finalist will be awarded P1-million to help them produce their movie, and will be honored during the festival and awards night this coming November.

Cinema One Originals is owned and produced by Cinema One, the top cable channel of Creative Programs Inc. (CPI).