On its eighth year, the Cinema One Originals promises a braver and bolder selection of movies that have the potential to make names for its filmmakers, directors, writers and actors in the local and international arena.

Chosen through careful deliberation from hundreds of entries, the top 13 feature films have been further divided into two categories: “Cinema One Plus” is composed of seasoned directors who were awarded with a P2-million production budget each; and “Cinema One Currents” is comprised of a new breed of filmmakers and were given a P1-million budget each.

“The festival is definitely bigger now in terms of content, variety and ambitions compared to the past years of Cinema One Originals. We have something for everyone not answered by main-stream cinema,” said Cinema One channel head, Ronald Arguelles at the official announce-ment of finalists on Tuesday at the ABS-CBN headquarters.

The festival line-up is composed of the following titles:

For the first category:
Mariposa Sa Hawla Ng Gabi by Richard Somes. The movie tells the story of an innocent woman who unravels horrible truths while in search of her long lost sister in the city. The film stars Erich Gonzales, Alfred Vargas, Joel Torre, Maria Isabel Lopez, John Lapus and Mark Gil.

Mater Dolorosa by Adolfo Alix, Jr. The film is about a typical Filipino mother who lives a dark, shadowy life in Manila’s underground and stars Gina Alajar, Cogie Domingo, Alessandra de Rossi, Carlo Aquino, Joem Bascon, and Mercedes Cabral with the special participation of Phillip Salvador.

Baybayin by Auraeus Solito. A unique tale of two sisters who fall in love with a man who can’t hear and speak starring siblings Assunta and Alessandra de Rossi and introducing Adrian Sebastian.

For the second category:
Ang Paglalakbay Ng Mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim by Arnel Mardoquio. A tale of companionship between three escaping rebels and a young war survivor against a Mindanao war backdrop.

Catnip by Kevin Dayrit. Lauren Young and Maxene Magalona star in a psychological film about two friends who despite their frequent rifts and differences find comfort in being together.

Melodrama Negra by Ma. Isabel Legarda. A dark comedy which follows the complicated and macabre lives of a woman and her ‘dead’ friends, blood-hungry sociopaths and a wealthy political family.

Slumber Party by Emmanuel dela Cruz. A riotous comedy about a tied-up frat boy and three curious gays starring Markki Stroem, Archie Alemania and RK Bagatsing.

Pascalina by Pam Miras. An untypical story of a simple girl who, after visiting her dying aunt, experiences changes in her life that will push her to the edge of madness and monstrosity.

Anak Araw by Gym Lumbera talks about the colonial illusion of an albino who believes that he is a son of an American.

Edsa XXX by Khavn de La Cruz. A futuristic black comedy film infused with original rock soundtrack. It tells the story of the reign of Three Eyes in the Philippines in year 2030 and stars Epi Quizon.

Aberya by Christian Linaban. A Cebu story about love, sex, and psychedelic potions which intertwine the lives of four people in one night starring Will Devaughn, Mercedes Cabral, Iwa Moto and Nicholas Varela.

Palitan by Ato Bautista. The film depicts lovers who find themselves asphyxiated and trapped in an erotic triangle

Mamay Umeng by Dwein Baltazar gives a glimpse into the life of an 84-year-old man who is alone, waiting, and praying not for long life, but for a quick escape.

Besides these originals, the festival also pays tribute to Philippine classics through the screening of three of the most important restored films that greatly contributed to the foundation of Philippine Cinema: Oro Plata Mata, Himala and Genghis Khan.

Oro Plata Mata, the 1982 film directed by Peque Gallaga will serve as the opening film for the prestigious event, while the award-winning film Himala will celebrate its 30th anniversary through an exclusive showing of a documentary special by director Sari Dalena and writer/editor Keith Sicat.

An exhibition program featuring guest films will also take place in the festival to include special screenings of Alagwa, Supremo, Jungle Love, and Graceland.

The 2012 Cinema One Originals Festival will run from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World, and from November 29 to December 4 at the Shangri-La Cineplex.

The festival’s much awaited awards night will be held on December 3 at Studio 1 ABS-CBN Main Building.