Kick off SineMa 2026 with an opening ceremony featuring vibrant Cordillera performances and the screening of Treasure of the Rice Terraces.
Program
| 7:00 pm | Red Carpet |
| 7:30 pm – 7:45 pm | Opening Ceremonies / Cordillera music and dances (indigenous performances from Northern Philippines) |
| 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm | Feature Film Screening |
| 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Feature Film Q&A / Networking |
About Treasure of the Rice Terraces
Director: Kent Donguines
When a Filipino Canadian filmmaker returns to his homeland to reconnect with his roots, he learns about the ancient art of Kalinga tattooing from the legendary 108-year-old artist, Apo Whang-od, discovering how this once-forgotten tradition has shaped the Filipino identity today.
Runtime: 75 minutes
Country: Canada / Philippines
Language: English, Tagalog, Butbut (with English subtitles)
About SineMa 2026
SineMa 2026 (short for Sine Mabuhay) is a dynamic celebration of multicultural storytelling through film, spotlighting the voices of Filipino Canadian filmmakers alongside acclaimed works from the Philippines. Hosted at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, the 2026 edition expands beyond cinema by integrating music and dance into its programming, reflecting the venue’s creative energy and elevating the audience experience.
This year’s festival presents a vibrant convergence of film, music, and cultural expression, positioning SineMa 2026 as a compelling platform for artistic exchange, community engagement, and the celebration of Filipino and diasporic identity.
SineMa 2026 is presented by Fiesta Filipino, the National Music Centre, and the Philippine Consulate General.
About Fiesta Filipino
The Philippine Festival Council of Alberta (PFCA) is the project proponent of Fiesta Filipino. Fiesta Filipino is a celebration of multiculturalism and diversity in Alberta. Our organization provides Albertans with the opportunity to experience Filipino-Canadian culture and heritage through year-round programs of music, arts, food, and performances. As the fastest growing community, our vision is to create a Canada that embraces cultural diversity and multiculturalism.
About the Philippine Consulate in Calgary
The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary (PCG Calgary) has consular jurisdiction over the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is part of the Philippine diplomatic and consular representation in Canada headed by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Ottawa, and alongside the Philippine Consulates General in Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC. The Consulate’s mission is to advance the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in the world community.
About the National Music Centre
The National Music Centre (NMC) is Canada’s premier destination for music, culture, and innovation. Located in Calgary’s East Village, NMC is home to over 8,000 artifacts, including historic musical instruments, artist archives, audio recordings, textiles, memorabilia, and rare music technologies spanning more than 450 years of history. Through exhibitions, performances, research, education, and artist residencies, NMC preserves and shares Canada’s musical heritage with local, national, and international audiences.