Director Rodina Singh’s film “Dreamboi”—after being initially given an X rating twice by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)—was finally granted an R-18 rating on its third review. This allowed the film to premiere as part of the 2025 CineSilip Film Festival, currently screening across Ayala Malls cinemas nationwide.
The R-18 classification legally permits public exhibition for audiences 18 years and older—a standard category for mature-themed films. Yet, even with official clearance, the film’s journey to the big screen has been anything but smooth.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and social media posts from the premiere night, several cast members expressed visible frustration and disappointment during post-screening remarks. While no direct attacks were made, their comments reflected deep exhaustion over the repeated rejections and the emotional toll of having their work labeled “unfit for public exhibition” not once, but twice—before ultimately being approved with only minor adjustments.
More recently, unconfirmed reports have begun circulating that certain high-level MTRCB officials may be making inquiries with Ayala Malls management regarding the number of screenings and audience capacity for “Dreamboi.”
To date, neither MTRCB nor Ayala Malls has issued any official statement confirming such actions, and there is no verified evidence of screening restrictions being imposed. However, the mere rumor has sparked concern among independent filmmakers and free expression advocates: Could regulatory scrutiny extend beyond classification and into de facto limitations on where and how often a film is shown—even after it has been legally cleared?
It’s important to emphasize:
- The R-18 rating is valid and binding.
- The CineSilip Film Festival is a licensed cultural event, protected under existing frameworks that support local cinema.
- There is no public evidence of any formal directive to limit screenings.
Still, the situation raises legitimate questions:
When a film meets classification standards after revision, should it be exhibited without hesitation?
And where do we draw the line between regulation and suppression of bold, unconventional storytelling?
“Dreamboi” may be one film—but the debate it has reignited is about the future of Filipino cinema itself.
As the festival continues through October 28, audiences now hold a quiet power: by buying a ticket, they’re not just watching a movie—they’re voting for the kind of stories they believe deserve to be seen.
𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴𝑩𝑶𝑰 Cast: EJ Jallorina, Tony Labrusca, Jenn Rosa, Miguel Almendras, Iyah Mina Presented by: CineSilip, Spicy Mama Creative Studios Release Date: October 22-28, 2025 on select Ayala Malls cinemas
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, eyewitness accounts, and official ratings. No unverified allegations or defamatory claims are made against any individual or institution. The intent is to foster informed dialogue about artistic freedom, media regulation, and cultural expression in the Philippines.
#Dreamboi #CineSilip2025 #MTRCB #R18Approved #PhilippineCinema #ArtisticFreedom #FilmFestival #ShowbizTidings
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