It’s all thanks to the anti-patron saint of outdoor activities and culture, COVID-19, that our cinematic industry has been brought to a halt. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some Pinoy hot indie films to quench our thirst for some recreation.

To save you some time looking for the titles that are worth your time, Corner4men.com has curated the following list of the best independent films.

Our list spans some 10 years of the Philippines film industry so if you are in the mood for something newer, the 17th Cinemalaya Pinoy indie film 2021 that took place recently is a good start.

And what is the meaning of indie films you ask? It is a short or a feature-length film made without the involvement of major studios or large production company.

Unfortunately, most of these films aren't on Iflix so you may have to check on Netflix or YouTube.

Midnight in a Perfect World

‘Midnight in a perfect world’ sets amidst an alternate Manila with strong transportation infrastructure and an effective sewer system

‘Midnight in a perfect world’ sets amidst an alternate Manila with strong transportation infrastructure and an effective sewer system. However, behind its glamourous façade, the city conceals dark secrets that can undermine the whole perfect appearance.

The film protagonists are four youngsters who, after a strange blackout, found themselves in a survival battle against dark forces.

The Philippines don’t usually see sci-fi titles like this so ‘Midnight in a perfect world’ definitely has a spot on our list of pinoy hot indie films. It also sets in motion a drama of social commentary. The sci-fi world of ‘Midnight in a perfect world’ is ruled by an authoritarian government that has waged a war on drugs.

In short, with its excellent sound and cinematography design, it deserves to be on any best Filipino indie film list, along with any top 10 Filipino movie list/

Babae at Baril

 

 

 

Babae at Baril (or you may know it under the name ‘The Girl with the Gun’) was launched in 2019 but it wasn’t until 2020 that it received the broad distribution and international coverage it deserves. So if you are looking for a film Philippines 2020, this is the one for you.

Babae at Baril is directed by Rae Red – Mikhail Red’s sister. It revolves around the story of a young saleswoman who one day came across a gun, which ignited in her the idea of taking revenge for all the shame and humiliation the patriarchal society had put her through.

With an empowering female protagonist, Babae at Baril swept through our list of Pinoy hot indie films like a refreshing breeze especially when the cinematic industry is being diluted by sappy romance Filipino movies.

Death of Nintendo 

The next candidate on our list of pinoy indie film is Death of Nintendo, a coming of age comedy title that can make you laugh in reminiscence

 

 

 

The next candidate on our list of pinoy indie film is Death of Nintendo, a coming of age comedy title that can make you laugh in reminiscence. It tells the story of three teenagers during their summer vacation back in the 1990s.

With a characteristic retro vibe and soundtrack leans toward pop, the film is a nostalgic trip with reference of Michael Jordan and Super Mario along the way. Nostalgia might create the atmosphere of this film but beyond that, Death of Nintendo is also tinted with very realistic portrayal of how the three young protagonists react in the face of adversity.

With the film being screened at several reputable international festivals, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be on our list of Pinoy hot indie films.

Mr and Mrs Cruz

 

 

 

'Mr and Mrs Cruz' revolves around destiny and love. The story features Gela and Raffy, two people who share the same last name and are on a journey to make peace with their failed weddings. An odd twist of fate, or the mistake of their travel agency that takes them for a married couple, brings them together.

The film is the ideal blend of romance, drama, and comedy, set against mesmerizing island landscape, which explains why it is an ideal candidate on our indie films Pinoy list. Sigrid Andrea Bernardo has no shortage of storytelling skills to give audience unexpected twists just when they think they know what happens next.

>>> Related: Pinoy Gay Indie Movies On Netflix: The Ultimate List

Sakaling Hindi Makarating

Cielo, heartbroken and upset over her failed engagement, moves into a new apartment and receives hand-made postcards from a mysterious sender

 

 

 

Cielo, heartbroken and upset over her failed engagement, moves into a new apartment and receives hand-made postcards from a mysterious sender, who is referred to as M. Befriended. Enticed by the mystery and her neighbor’s suggestion that she should try to find out who he is, she embarks on a journey to several places in hope of finding the man and getting over her pain.

Apocalypse Child

 

 

 

Apocalypse Child is the story of Ford, a surfing instructor who grew up believing that his father is Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director of ‘Apocalypse Now’ – an epic war film shot in the Philippines.

The lives of the characters were built on a web of lies and half-truths. Their relationships are based on those illusions, thus creating a seemingly stable lifestyle. What makes Apocalypse Child one of the Pinoy hot indie films is the interactions between the actors. They feel as realistic and genuine as anyone can expect, making it feels like you are watching a documentary.

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Above the Clouds

 

 

 

After his parents died of a flood in Manila while he was with his girlfriend, 15-year-old boy Andy ended up with his estranged grandfather.

Andy is going through a hard time and the fact that now he has to put up with the slob he called grandfather, who has the physique of a rock star, doesn’t help much. The boy lives in a rundown house filled with boxes of photographs since his grandfather used to be a photographer.

In hope to build a bond with his grandson, the grandfather brought the boy to a secluded location on the mountains where he used to spend time with his son. The journey was rough and eventful at first but the old man eventually wins the boy over.

Affectionate and filled with hope, grief, and memory, ‘Above the Clouds’ is definitely one of the pinoy hot indie films for this trying time.

K'na, the Dreamweaver 

 

 

 

A princess is often faced with the questions of bravery, characteristics, and true love in traditional fairy tales. For K’na, the princess of a Tboli family, all of the three matters come up and trouble the young woman.

This story is set against the lush landscape that characterizes tropical regions. The romance serves as the pillar of the movie isn’t between a man and a woman but in fact, between fate and human, whose essence is summed up by the wise words of Be Lamfey – an old dreamweaver, telling the princess to have faith in the grand design of life.

‘K’na, the Dreamweaver’ is one of the Filipino indie films free watch online as it is on YouTube right now. It is also on Netflix.

And again, if you want something new, the 2021 Cinemalaya movies festival is where to look.