Emerging Filmmakers Shine: Puregold CinePanalo Festival Awards Grants to 31 Finalists

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival recently unveiled its finalists and introduced the directors at a press conference at the Artson Events Place, Quezon City.

The festival aims to support both established and emerging Filipino filmmakers, showcasing compelling narratives that reflect the resilient Filipino spirit, collectively known as Kuwentong Panalo. 

Out of numerous applicants, 31 finalists were selected, including full-length films such as "Under the Piaya Moon" and "One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All." 

Six full-length film directors received a grant of Php 2,500,000 each, expanding from the initial five slots due to exceptional entries. 

Additionally, 25 student directors were awarded Php 100,000 each. 

The festival will culminate in a premiere of the finished films at Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, 2024, with potential regional screenings. Short films will be available on Puregold's social media channels. 

List of Full-Length Film Finalists:

Full-length film directors Kurt Soberano, Raynier Brizuela, Sigrid Bernardo, and Eugene Torres; producers VJ Mendoza, Mina Cruz, and Thirdy Rivera; and actor Elora Espano before the official press conference:

1. Kurt Soberano - "Under the Piaya Moon" 

2. Eugene Torres - "One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All"

3. Sigrid Bernardo - "Pushcart Tales"

4. Raynier Brizuela - "Boys at the Back" 

5. Joel Ferrer - "Road to Happy" 

6. Carlo Obispo - "A Lab Story”

25 Promising New Student Directors:

25 student directors were selected from all over the Philippines to participate in the first-ever Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival:

1. Jenievive B. Adame - "Smokey Journey" (STI College Cubao) 

2. Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo - "Saan Ako Pinaglihi?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

3. Alexa Moneii Agaloos - "Ka Benjie" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

4. Kent Michael Cadungog - "Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366" (University of the Philippines) 

5. John Pistol L. Carmen - "Repeater si Peter" (Bicol University) 

6. Chrisha Eseo Cataag - "Hallway Scholar" (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo) 

7. Patricia W. Dalluay - "Lola, Lola, Paano ba 'Yan?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

8. Joanah Pearl Demonteverde - "Kang Pagpuli Ko" (University of the Philippines – Visayas) 

9. Joshua Andrey A. Doce - "I Am Mutya And I Thank You!" (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)       

10. Neil M. Espino - "Sa Hindi Paghahangad" (De La Salle Lipa) 

11. Terrence Gale Fernandez - "Kaibigan ko si Batman" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

12. Daniel Gil - "Distansya" (Ateneo de Davao University) 

13. Alexandra Lapid - "Queng Apag" (Mapúa University) 

14. Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima - "Tiil ni Lola" (University of San Carlos) 

15. Dizelle C. Masilungan - "Kung Nag-aatubili" (University of Santo Tomas) 

16. Jose Mikyl Medina - "Lutong Bahay" (De La Salle University) 

17. Ronjay-C Mendiola - "Last Shift" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

18. Mark Terence Molave - "Paano po gumawa ng collage college?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) 

19. Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde - "Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess" (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde) 

20. Doxford D. Perlas - "Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie's Lost Again!)" (University of the Philippines – Visayas) 

21. Andrea S. Ponce - "Layag sa Pangarap" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa) 

22. Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion - "Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah" (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna) 

23. John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito - "Tambal nga Sabaw" (Far Eastern University) 

24. Tyrone Lean J. Taotao - "Abandoned Lullabies" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa) 

25. Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon - "May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

On top of the film grants, all finalists also received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital for their respective films, as well as essential groceries from Puregold to further support them during the production phase.

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold, shared inspirational opening remarks to begin the day:

Puregold CinePanalo’s student filmmakers along with Puregold senior marketing manager, Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; festival director Chris Cahilig; representatives from the festival’s partners Optima Digital and Mowelfund; and members of the festival’s Selection Committee:

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.