Puregold CinePanalo has announced the eight official entries for its full-length film category, following a rigorous selection process. The finalists, who will each receive a production grant of three million pesos (P3,000,000), will have the opportunity to showcase their films at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
The selected filmmakers are Jill Singson Urdaneta with Co-love, Catsi Catalan with Fleeting, Baby Ruth Villarama with Food Delivery, Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat with Journeyman, JP Habac with Olsen’s Day, TM Malones with Perlas sa Silangan, Mes De Guzman with Sepak Takraw, and Tara Illenberger with Tagsibol. Initially limited to seven finalists, the selection committee added an eighth entry due to the exceptional quality of submissions, a decision supported by Puregold President Vincent Co.
“By giving eight full-length stories a platform in Puregold CinePanalo 2025, we recognize the significant talent and craftsmanship of Filipino filmmakers,” said Co. “We are committed to showcasing these young directors’ visions and believe their films will enrich Philippine cinema.”
The festival partners, including CMB Film Services Inc., Terminal Six Post, Mowelfund Film Institute, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and Gateway Cinemas, where the films will debut, played a crucial role in making the expanded lineup possible.
The selection process involved a face-to-face pitch with 16 filmmakers, narrowed down to the final eight. Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad highlighted the tough competition, noting that reaching this stage is a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication and creativity.
The films will now compete for various awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and several technical categories. Additionally, the Always Panalo Film Award will be given to the film that best embodies the festival’s theme of celebrating uplifting Filipino stories.
Three films from last year’s CinePanalo – Road to Happy (Jagran Film Festival, India), One Day League (Exposures Montreal Trans Film Festival, Canada), and A Lab Story (Jagran Film Festival, India, and Asian Film Festival Barcelona, Spain) – were recognized at international film festivals, showcasing the festival’s growing global impact. Alongside the full-length entries, a student shorts competition will feature 25 student filmmakers, each receiving a grant of P150,000 to create their projects.
The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will run from March 14 to 25, 2025 at Gateway Cinemas.
