Storytelling holds a unique power to inspire and connect people across different walks of life. For young filmmakers, it offers a compelling way to channel their creativity and passion into meaningful narratives.
Film festivals play a key role by giving aspiring filmmakers a chance to share their ideas with the world. These events help new talents grow and bring fresh stories to the film industry. They also provide important and uplifting stories that spread positivity.
For audiences, film festivals offer a chance to see a variety of interesting and thought-provoking films that might not be seen elsewhere. These festivals offer a window into new, innovative storytelling and a chance to engage with narratives that might not make it to mainstream screens.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is a great example of how film festivals can make a difference, as shown in its first year. It featured a variety of inspiring stories about hope and triumph, which are more needed now than ever.
The festival recently announced a shortlist of 16 full-length films and their directors, selected from 141 entries for its second year. Out of these, seven filmmakers will receive a P3 million production grant from Puregold and become integral parts of the festival.
Puregold President Vincent Co expressed admiration for the diversity of the entries, noting that the Selection Committee curated an inspiring shortlist of projects that promise to captivate audiences and provoke deep thought. The festival aims to celebrate these unique perspectives and showcase remarkable “panalo” stories.
The shortlisted projects and their directors include: Ahon by Rafael Mina, Co-love by Jill Singson Urdaneta, Dopamine by Sigrid Polon, Fleeting by Catsi Catalan, Food Delivery by Baby Ruth Villarama, Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat, Olsen’s Day by JP Habac, Perlas sa Silangan by TM Malones, Princess Maryam by Julius Alfonso and Eric Cabahug, Reel Boyz by Rod Marmol, Sepak Takraw by Mes De Guzman, Si Sol at si Luna by Dolly Dulu, Stuck on You by Reeden Fajardo, Tagsibol by Tara Illenberger, Waiting Shed by Noel Escondo, and Washing Machine by BC Amparado.
of ‘Ahon’
for ‘Deadma Walking’
for ‘Deadma Walking’
The festival’s Selection Committee, which includes Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, festival director Chris Cahilig, directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Emmanuel dela Cruz, and representatives from Republic Creative Creations, Inc., will review pitches from the shortlisted filmmakers in the coming weeks. The final seven films will be announced and screened at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao from March 14 to 25, 2025.
For updates, follow Puregold on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
