The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set for a grander return this year. The festival, which debuted in 2023, aims to provide more opportunities for filmmakers across the country to showcase their talent and creativity.
Festival Director Chris Cahilig emphasized the significant increase in grants for this year’s participants.
“This year is going to be bigger and bolder. Last year, we gave six grants, including the Producer’s Choice, with each full-length category receiving P2.5 million. This year, it’s going to be seven films at P3 million each,” said Cahilig in a press conference.
In addition to the increased funding for full-length films, the student film category also sees a boost.
“We’re still giving away 25 student-filmmakers the opportunity to create their dream films, with a grant of P150,000 each, up from last year’s P100,000,” Cahilig continued.
“Just a little bit of trivia, I was initially asked if they can choose 50 student-filmmakers but I had to say no because that’s a little bit big but that’s goes to show how committed Puregold is in pushing for the student-filmmakers to get the best of the best. But we wanted to make sure that everything is feasible so we’re keeping it at 25 in the meantime,” he added.
The festival continues with the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” focusing on family-oriented, inspiring, and wholesome stories. Acceptable genres include comedy, drama, romance, historical, sports, action, animation, musical, science fiction, adventure, and documentary. However, the Selection Committee will reject concepts in the horror, fantasy, sex, and suspense genres.
“As of the moment, there are already 121 full-length scripts submitted. This year, we have an insanely crazy batch so far. In those 121 scripts, you’ll see so many big names, exceptionally promising filmmakers submitting, first time filmmakers. So we’re really hoping to have a really good batch of films this year. So it’s really tough to get into the seven finalists,” Cahilig shared.
Eligibility criteria for the student category require participants to be campus-based, though graduate students pursuing MA degrees, PhDs, or law are also welcome. For the full-length category, it’s open to both amateurs and professionals, including those who joined last year.
(From left) VJ Mendoza, producer and lead actor of ‘Road to Happy;’ Dizelle Masilungan, 2023 Panalong Student Director; Jenievive Adame, 2023 Always Panalo Short Film Awardee; Joanah Demonteverde and Marian Jayce Tiongzon 2023 regional filmmakers from Visayas; Piedad, and Cahilig.
Puregold’s Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Piedad noted that CinePanalo’s mandate found it especially important to give opportunities to student filmmakers who may not have the same access to filmmaking resources as established directors do.
“When we first launched Puregold CinePanalo, we envisioned it to champion Filipino stories, advocate for student filmmakers by providing them with a platform for their dream short films, and elevate the local film scene,” said Piedad.
Piedad also shared how the previous iteration of the Puregold CinePanalo was instrumental in bringing to light the talents of several young, aspiring filmmakers, some of whom have used the momentum from the competition to further fuel their artistic dreams.
“We saw the birth of promising talents, with several inspiring stories that came to life on the big screen. Fueled by last edition’s success, here we are once again! Back and bigger than ever, ready to celebrate another year of incredible films and mark the second chapter of Puregold CinePanalo,” continued Piedad.
Key deadlines include July 30 for full-length film applications and August 15 for student shorts. Announcements for the 25 grant awardees for student shorts will be on September 26, while the Top 15 shortlist for full-length films will be announced on August 15. The final seven winning pitches will be revealed on August 24.
The official press presentation of directors from all categories will be on January 24, 2025, with the festival proper taking place from March 14 to March 25, 2025, at Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City. The awards night is scheduled for March 19, 2025.
Aspiring filmmakers are urged to review the festival mechanics available on Puregold’s official social media accounts and submit their applications at https://forms.gle/wNUUQ62okYcyW5r37. For more information, inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
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