Actor Ian Pangilinan has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a filmmaker after Puregold named his and Carl Papa’s Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry) among the seven finalists of the 2026 CinePanalo Film Festival.
“This is my first time directing, writing, and leading. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. I’m overwhelmed and thankful to everyone who believed in me. Super exciting,” Pangilinan said in an interview during the festival’s announcement of the official entries.
He described Patay Gutom as a “love letter” to his parents and said he is most excited to collaborate with the cast.
“It’s exciting to work with actors I’ve looked up to for so long. I’m so excited for them—please wait for the cast announcement,” he added.
There was a hush at Cinema 12 of Gateway Cineplex 18 as the screen showed a woman reaching for cocktail cans during the big reveal of the seven official entries in the full-length category of the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The cinematic moment sparked drama and excitement among the filmmakers whose dream projects are set to come to life.
Joining Patay Gutom in seven feature films are Joseph Abello’s Wantawsan, BC Amparado’s Mono No Aware, Thop Nazareno’s Apol of my Ai, Lawrence Fajardo’s Beast, Mikko Baldoza’s Stuck on You; and Rodina Singh’s Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo).
Each of the seven entries will receive a production grant of P5 million and a chance to compete for the festival’s awards. The selected feature films will be screened alongside 20 short films made exclusively by student filmmakers.
“The upcoming 2026 Puregold CinePanalo is going to be the festival’s biggest installment yet,” said Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad.
Festival director Chris Cahilig said all seven film entries are expected to impress audiences.
“Puregold CinePanalo is giving its biggest grants to date, largesse that all seven participants truly deserve by showing us the passion, creativity, and ‘panalo sa husay’ spirit that only Filipino filmmakers can bring,” he said. “These films are going to make audiences laugh, cry, and everything in between. We can hardly wait for audiences to see what lies ahead at the festival.”
Now on its third year, Puregold CinePanalo has served as a platform for intrepid Filipino filmmakers to bring their dream projects to life, some of which have gone on to compete at international film festivals across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
“Puregold has always believed in the power of supporting and nurturing Filipino artists,” Hayagan-Piedad said. “It is one of Puregold’s greatest prides that CinePanalo has grown to this level and given so many Filipino filmmakers the chance to produce world-class movies. We have no doubt that the seven films competing next year will be no exception.”
The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will be held next year at Gateway Cineplex 18 and Ayala Malls. The festival is supported by Canon Marketing Philippines, CMB Film Services, Terminal Six Post, IM Rentals, the Asia Pacific Film Institute, Stage Post Audio and Music Productions Inc., the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.
