This year's official portrait photographer for the 18 filmmakers of the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2022 is none other than, actor John Lloyd Cruz!

Several photos of the award-winning actor were shared by Cinemalaya on its Facebook page on Wednesday, July 20, wherein the actor was seen talking and interacting with some directors and employees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

"Every year, nag-iimbita ang Cinemalaya ng photographer para kumuha ng portraits ng mga filmmakers na kasali sa kompetisyon. This year, sa pambihirang pagkakataon, isang aktor ang humawak ng camera para kumuha ng larawan ng mga direktor. Yes, it’s the big swap we didn’t see coming!" it said.

"Dalawang araw nakasama ng mga CINEMALAYA 18 filmmakers ang aktor na si JOHN LLOYD CRUZ para kuhaan sila ng portraits. Sino kaya sa mga filmmakers ang qinilig?! Ugh! I don’t get jealous, I can’t be jealous, I’ve never been jealous - ngayon lang!" it added.

The portraits taken by Cruz will be put on display during the opening of Cinemalaya 2022 at the CCP starting August 5.

As Cinemalaya marks its 18th year this year, CCP opened its doors for the return of the on-site screening after two years of digital streaming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cinemalaya will go on for two months — from August 5 to October 31, with a full lineup of feature-length and short films. This year's theme is "Breaking through the noise."