Filipino movie enters competition at North Macedonia fest
01 November 2026
Filipino drama “Silenced Nights,” directed by Lawrence Fajardo, will compete at the 26th Skopje International Film Festival in North Macedonia, scheduled to run from Nov. 4 to 9.
Fajardo is expected to attend the festival to represent the film and participate in discussions with international audiences.
Set in Manila’s Tondo district, “Silenced Nights” follows an ordinary laborer, played by Nico Antonio, whose life takes a dangerous turn after he inadvertently witnesses a brutal killing. Inspired by real-world struggles for justice, the story examines the consequences of witnessing violence and the struggle for survival in an urban environment.
Antonio is joined by an ensemble cast that includes Lotlot de Leon, Ina Feleo, Joel Saracho, Tanya Gomez, Dylan Ray Talon, Jorrybell Agoto, Simon Ibarra, Mario Magallona, Rom Factolerin, Soliman Cruz, Hector Macaso, Raul Morit, Bombi Plata, Apollo Abraham, DMs Boongaling, Mae Paner, Tess Jamias, Timothy Castillo, Kenken Nuyad, Micko Laurente, Enzo Osorio and newcomer Aquisha Tombiga.
Fajardo worked with executive producers Joji Alonso, Perci Intalan, Hsin-Hung Tsai and Vincent Wang, as well as producers Ferdy Lapuz and Patricia Sumagui. Troy Espiritu wrote the screenplay, while Albert Banzon served as director of photography.
The film is an international co-production involving Quantum Films of the Philippines, House on Fire of France and House on Fire International of Taiwan, with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
“Silenced Nights” previously secured a place in the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) Platform section, a juried competition for emerging filmmakers. It was the first Filipino feature selected for the section.
Its participation in the Skopje International Film Festival marks another international competition appearance for the Filipino production.