(SPOT.ph) Contrary to popular belief, Filipino cinema is actually filled with all sorts of diverse and compelling stories that are worth watching. Sadly, the problem lies in trying to get people into theaters to see them. Here, we try to make your life easier and list 15 Pinoy films that we feel deserve a watch from all audiences, whether it’s because of the plot, the impressive star power, or the creative genius behind the camera.

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Pencil in these titles and release dates, and support some of the best that Filipino cinema has to offer this year and beyond!

Kita Kita

Release date: July 19

Directed by: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

Shot on location in beautiful Hokkaido, Japan, Kita Kita stars Alessandra de Rossi as Lea, a taxi tour guide who suffers from temporary blindness after befalling an accident. She befriends her neighbor, Tonyo (Empoy Marquez), and they eventually fall in love. The film was recently graded an “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board, and is produced by Piolo Pascual’s independent production company, Spring Films (who also produced the timeless comedy, Kimmy Dora).

Bagahe

Release date: August 4 (Cinemalaya Film Festival)

Directed by: Zig Dulay

Bagahe revolves around Mercy, an OFW who is raped and subsequently, suspected of abandoning her newborn child in the trash bin of an airplane toilet. The compelling drama follows her harrowing struggle, as well as the investigation that follows. The film stars Angeli Bayani, Shamaine Buencamino, and Boots Anson-Roa.

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Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha

Release date: August 4 (Cinemalaya Film Festival)

Directed by: Mes De Guzman

For the first time in her decades-long career, Sharon Cuneta makes her indie movie debut as Cora, a mother coping with the loss of her husband and children. In desperation, she decides to pool all her time and resources to find the “family that doesn’t weep,” whom locals believe has the power to bring back lost loved ones.

Sa Gabing Nananahimik Ang Mga Kuliglig

Release date: August 4 (Cinemalaya Film Festival)

Directed by: Iar Arondaing

This intriguing drama stars Angel Aquino as Magda, who goes to church and confesses to committing murder after learning of her husband’s affair with her friend. The priest, Father Romy (Jake Macapagal), is torn between keeping her secret at the confessional and following his conscience. The film’s cast also includes Ricky Davao, Mercedes Cabral, Jess Mendoza, and Sam Quintana.

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100 Tula Para Kay Stella

Release date: August 16 (Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino)

Directed by: Jason Paul Laxamana

VIVA Films’ latest offering boasts a sweet storyline and the surprising chemistry between its two talented leads. Theater, TV, and film actor JC Santos plays Fidel, a stuttering student who has long harbored a crush on his friend, Stella (Bela Padilla). To win her heart, he writes a hundred poems dedicated to her throughout their four years of college. The film is one of 12 local films screening exclusively nationwide this August.

Birdshot

Release date: August 16 (Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino)

Directed by: Mikhail Red

Birdshot is a mystery thriller revolving around a farmer's daughter who accidentally kills a Philippine Eagle in a forest reserve. As local authorities begin a manhunt to track down the poacher of an endangered bird, their investigation leads them to an even more horrific discovery. The film was originally screened at the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, where it won Best Film.

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Smaller and Smaller Circles

Release date: TBA 2017

Directed by: Raya Martin

Based on the award-winning best-selling crime novel by F.H. Batacan, Smaller and Smaller Circles follows two Jesuit priests (Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero), tasked to track down a serial killer that leaves the mutilated bodies of young boys in Payatas. The impressive ensemble cast also includes TJ Trinidad, Bembol Roco, and Carla Humphries. The book-to-film adaptation has been highly anticipated by fans since early 2016—and we’re going to see it in cinemas very soon!

Ang Larawan

Release date: TBA 2017

Directed by: Loy Arcenas

Easily one of the most exciting films of the year, Ang Larawan is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin's "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino." The musical, set in pre-war Intramuros, follows two sisters (Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil) as they cope with financial ruin. Helmed by award-winning Broadway production designer Loy Arcenas, the film boasts original music by Ryan Cayabyab and the Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a script penned by National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio.

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Buy Bust

Release date: TBA 2017

Directed by: Erik Matti

Although Erik Matti and his team have been working on Buy Bust since mid-2016, plot details still remain scarce. We do know that the film stars Anne Curtis and MMA athlete Brandon Vera (who will both do their own stunts), and will reportedly feature in-your-face traditional Filipino fighting styles. The film was initially submitted as a script to MMFF 2017, but unfortunately did not make the cut so you can probably expect Buy Bust in cinemas very soon.

Citizen Jake

Release date: TBA 2017

Directed by: Mike De Leon

We haven’t seen a Mike De Leon film since 2000’s Bayaning Third World, so movie fans were thrilled at the prospect of a comeback from the legendary filmmaker whose works include Kisapmata, Batch ’81, and Kakabakaba Ka Ba? Plot details are still scarce as of writing, but we do know that broadcast journalist Atom Araullo will be playing a fictional one. The script is written by De Leon, Araullo, and Noel Pascual, and the cast also includes Max Collins, Cherie Gil, Gabby Eigenmann, Luis Alandy, and Teroy Guzman.

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On The Job Part 2

Release date: TBA

Directed by: Erik Matti

Erik Matti makes his second appearance on this list with the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2013 crime drama, On The Job. The new storyline ties into the events of the first film, and stars Bela Padilla and Teroy Guzman as a pair of journalists who investigate the bloody massacre of eight other journalists. Although a cast was previously announced several months ago, Matti recently explained that they may bring in some familiar faces from the first film and replace others. The events in OTJ Part 2 will also segue into a miniseries that will be aired exclusively on HOOQ.

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Siargao

Release date: TBA

Directed by: Paul Soriano

Filmmaker and producer Paul Soriano is venturing into the romance-drama genre with a film shot on location in beautiful Siargao. Plot details have yet to be revealed, but we do know that the film stars the talented trio of Erich Gonzales, Jericho Rosales, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Some reports have claimed that Siargao will be submitted to the MMFF, though Soriano has yet to make a formal announcement.

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IMAGE Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral's official Facebook page

Goyo

Release date: TBA

Directed by: Jerrold Tarog

Picking up where 2015’s Heneral Luna left off, Jerrold Tarog’s historical epic will now center on the young general, Gregorio del Pilar (Paulo Avelino), alongside Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Epy Quizon as Apolinario Mabini, Benjamin Alves as Manuel Quezon, and Leo Martinez as Pedro Paterno. The script is written by Tarog and award-winning screenplay writer Rody Vera. You can expect the film to hit theaters in 2018.

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IMAGE Ogie Diaz

Darna

Release date: TBA

Directed by: Erik Matti

We haven’t seen Darna onscreen since 2009 and her latest incarnation may just send the star-spangled heroine to new heights. With young and fresh-faced Liza Soberano donning the red suit this time around, it’ll be interesting to see just how far Erik Matti will push the boundaries of the Pinoy superhero genre. In a recent interview with the press, Matti said it will be a “coming-of-age film—not just as Narda to Darna, but also Liza to becoming a serious actor.” As for the technical aspects, Matti said they will skip the corny details that have plagued the Darna movies and professionals will be hired for rigs, visual effects, and post-production.

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Tayo, Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon

Release date: TBA

Directed by: Nestor Abrogena

You will soon have answers to Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa's (admittedly frustrating) open ending. Both Nicco Manalo and Emmanuelle Vera will reprise their roles as Sam and Isa, respectively, whose complicated relationship is central to the heartbreaking tale. According to reports, the sequel will take place five years after the events of the first film.