Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, the much-awaited event that is set to hail a new generation of outstanding Filipino films, officially introduced the recipients of its film grants during a press conference held yesterday at the Artson Events Place in Quezon City.
Attended by representatives from Puregold, the film directors, their respective producers, and other key members of their teams, the press conference highlighted Puregold’s primary objectives: to provide a platform for both well-known and emerging filmmakers, and to showcase narratives collectively called Kuwentong Panalo that can touch the heart and remind us of the indomitable Filipino spirit.
From hundreds of CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one of the very best were selected as finalists.
Among the full-length film finalists named during the press conference were Kurt Soberano, a newcomer with his entry, “Under the Piaya Moon,” and Eugene Torres with “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All.” These earned the “Producer’s Choice” title, expanding the initial five grant slots to six.
Accompanying them were renowned directors Sigrid Bernardo for “Pushcart Tales,” Raynier Brizuela for “Boys at the Back,” Joel Ferrer for “Road to Happy,” and Carlo Obispo for “A Lab Story.”
New student directors who were likewise introduced are as follows:
Jenievive B. Adame – “Smokey Journey” (STI College Cubao)
Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo – “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?” (PUP)
Alexa Moneil Agaloos – “Ka Benjie” (PUP)
Kent Michael Cadungog – “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366” (UP)
John Pistol L. Carmen -“Repeater si Peter” (Bicol University)
Chrisha Eseo Cataag – “Hallway Scholar” (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)
Patricia W. Dalluay – “Lola, Lola, Paano ba Yan?” (PUP)
Joanah Pearl Demonteverde – “Kang Pagpuli Ko” (University of the Philippines –
Joshua Andrey A. Doce – “I am Mutya And I Thank You!” (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)
Neil M. Espino – “Sa Hindi Paghahangad” (De La Salle Lipa)”¨Terrence Gale Fernandez – “Kaibigan ko si Batman” (PUP)
Daniel Gil – “Distansya” (Ateneo de Davao University)
Alexandra Lapid – “Queng Apag” (Mapúa University)
Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima – “Tiil ni Lola” (University of San Carlos)
Dizelle C. Masilungan – “Kung Nag-aatubili” (UST)
Jose Mikyl Medina – “Lutong Bahay” (DLSU)
Ronjay-C Mendiola – “Last Shift” (PUP)
Mark Terence Molave – “Paano po gumawa ng collage college?” (PUP)
Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde – “Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess” (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
Doxford D. Perlas – “Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie’s Lost Again!)” (UP – Visayas)
Andrea S. Ponce – “Layag sa Pangarap” (PUP)
Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion – “Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah” (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)
John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito – “Tambal nga Sabaw” (FEU)
Tyrone Lean J. Taotao – “Abandoned Lullabies” (PUP)
Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon – “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?” (UP – Visayas)
The six full-length film directors received a substantial grant of P2.5 million each, while 25 short film student directors were granted P 100,000 each. On top of the film grants, all finalists also received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital for their respective films, as well as essential groceries from Puregold to further support them during the production phase.
The finished Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films will be viewed at a premiere to be held at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, followed by potential regional screenings. Short films will also be available on Puregold’s official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.
The selection committee, comprising veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jeturian; award-winning filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; and Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, played a crucial role in shaping the festival’s trajectory.
With the CinePanalo Film Festival, Puregold further strengthens its commitment to fostering local talent, bridging gaps, and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape.