The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival officially unveiled the recipients of its film grants during a press conference at the Artson Events Place in Quezon City recently. Attended by representatives from Puregold, film directors, their respective producers, and other key team members, the conference emphasized Puregold’s primary goals.
The inaugural CinePanalo aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers and showcase narratives, collectively known as Kuwentong Panalo, that resonate with the heart and reflect the indomitable Filipino spirit.
From a pool of numerous CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one of the very best were selected as finalists, marking the commencement of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
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.
The press conference also introduced promising new student directors, each representing their respective institutions.
The six full-length film directors were granted P2.5 million each, while the 25 short film student directors received P100,000 each. Additionally, all finalists received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital and essential groceries from Puregold to support them during the production phase.
The finished Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films are scheduled for a premiere at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, with potential regional screenings to follow. Short films will be available on Puregold’s official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.
The distinguished selection committee, comprising veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; film critic Tito Valiente, 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. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.