MANILA, Philippines?An impressive lineup of Filipino movies, plus world premieres of six new offerings from acclaimed local filmmakers, highlight Dekada Cinemanila, marking the 10th staging of the country?s lone international film festival. The event takes place Oct. 16 to 22 at Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Lav Diaz?s 9-hour opus ?Melancholia,? Best Feature Film awardee in the Orrizonti section of the 2008 Venice Film Festival, leads this year?s Philippine showcase as the main local contender in the international category.

?The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela,? a Philippine co-production with Iceland and the US, is also in the running for the coveted Lino Brocka Grand Prize. Adolfo Alix Jr.?s ?Adela,? screened in this year?s Toronto International Film Festival, is up against entries from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia in the Southeast Asia Competition.

Diverse styles, themes

?The filmmakers competing this year have different styles,? Cinemanila founder Tikoy Aguiluz, himself a noted film director himself, told Inquirer Entertainment. The entries discuss a variety of relevant themes, too, such as indigenous cultures and migration.

Competing for the Grand Jury Prize in the Digital Lokal competition are six new works: ?Ala Pobre Ala Suerte? by Briccio Santos; ?Ang Manghuhula? by Paolo Herras; ?Carnivore? by Ato Bautista; ?Imburnal? by Sherad Anthony Sanchez; ?Next Attraction? by Raya Martin; and ?Sisa? by CJ Andaluz.

The festival will also feature nine short films competing for the Ishmael Bernal Prize in the Young Cinema section.

A total of P1M in cash prizes await the winners. The entries are also competing for acting and other creative awards.

Screenwriter Jose ?Pete? Lacaba will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.