Winners in the Student Shorts category of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will receive full scholarships and tuition discounts through a new partnership between the festival and the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI).
The agreement adds to the festival’s P200,000 creative grant for each student short. Now in its third year, CinePanalo has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading film festivals, backed by funding that supports emerging filmmakers, including students.
Under the partnership, APFI will grant full scholarships to the recipients of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director awards. The institute will also offer full scholarships for selected subjects, including Advanced Cinematography, Production Design, Scriptwriting, Acting, Editing, and Sound Design.
All student participants, crews, and members of each competing film—whether in the student or full-length categories—will receive a 10 percent tuition discount on designated APFI courses. The institute will also host career talks during the festival to guide student filmmakers pursuing work in film and media.
APFI said the collaboration aligns with its mission as an independent, industry-focused film school that supports young storytellers.
General manager Russel Frederick Oledan said participants have already shown strong potential, and the school is “honored to support their journey.”
Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the partnership strengthens CinePanalo’s efforts to support Philippine cinema by investing in new filmmakers.
This year’s festival will be held at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, featuring seven full-length films and 20 student shorts. Several past CinePanalo films have screened and won awards at local and international festivals.
