The Elysian Field, a NETPAC Award-winning film by Indian filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, makes its Philippine debut at the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival this October 3, 2025, at the Red Carpet Cinemas of Shangri-La Plaza.
The film follows the six remaining residents of a secluded Meghalaya village as they cope with grief and loneliness in the face of urban migration.
Set against the tranquil landscapes of futuristic 2047 in the East Khasi hills, The Elysian Field is a slice-of-life film following the journey of Livingstone and his fellow villagers as they bond over their shared experiences of love and longing, finding solace in each other’s company.
Weaving together multiple stories in a grand tapestry of human experience, the film narrates how Livingstone and the villagers stand as beacons of resilience, offering hope against a backdrop of loss and solitude.
Carrying the memory of his late wife Belinda, Livingstone boards a vintage bus and embarks on a spiritual discovery, his story not too dissimilar from a holy pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the remaining characters grapple with their own demons and aspirations, coming together in moments of triumph and adversity.
The collective spirit of the cast is a poignant reminder of the power of solidarity, as their shared bonds and comradery remain unyielding amidst life’s uncertainties.
Filming across four different seasons, director Kurbah shared that he did this to reflect the cycles everyone experiences in life, adding that the evocative storytelling and heartfelt performances highlight the beauty of human connection and the transformative power of community.
Envisioning himself in the characters living 26 years from now, the director shared that the film explores the changing dynamics of care and companionship for the elderly, believing that old age can be a time to enjoy one’s company and immerse oneself in a shared community.
“The story explores the choices elderly individuals face between loneliness and solitude, emphasizing that it is their decision to make – not their children or society’s,” director Kurbah said, concluding that the film portrays the resilience and strength that emerges from embracing change and cherishing the connections that matter most.
The Elysian Field had its world premiere at the Moscow International Film Festival earlier this year, bringing home Best Director, Best Film, and the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) award.
For its 21st year, Cinemalaya carries the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos,” reflecting the persistence of independent filmmakers to navigate the challenges of an evolving cinematic landscape.
True to its theme, the festival will kick off with a film that examines a group of elderly characters who continue to persevere amidst a changing world and a society that seems to have moved past them.
Catch The Elysian Field for free this coming October 3, 2025, 7PM, at Cinema 1 of Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza.
Tickets to the screening will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, two hours before the screening schedule.
For additional information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages and other social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
