Empowering Pinoy filmmakers with bigger grants, creative freedom
F or many aspiring and independent filmmakers, bringing their stories to life comes with significant financial and logistical challenges. The organizers of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival aim to ease these burdens and position themselves as game changers in Philippine cinema.
Festival director Chris Cahilig said that the event’s first edition provided valuable insights into the struggles of filmmakers, enabling organizers to refine their approach for its second run. “Working closely with filmmakers throughout the production of their entries gave us a firsthand look at the challenges they face daily,” Cahilig told Lifestyle.
“As such, we were more prepared to address the needs of this year’s participants—the need for higher production grants, supplier sponsorships like equipment rentals, availability of funds when they need them, and, of course, creative freedom with their projects,” he added.
These adjustments have already made a difference. “Even small yet thoughtful changes made a real impact on the experience for participating filmmakers. We remain committed to providing them with the best possible conditions to nurture their creativity,” Cahilig said.
For the 2025 edition, eight full-length filmmakers received a cash grant of P3 million each, while 24 student filmmakers were granted P150,000 each. With these resources, Puregold CinePanalo fosters an environment where filmmakers can focus on their craft without being burdened by financial constraints.
“The festival offers a diverse selection of compelling narratives for audiences to enjoy,” Cahilig added. “In the full-length category alone, we have classic family dramas, inspiring sports stories, beloved Pinoy romcoms, regional narratives, and even our first-ever documentary.”
Amplifying voices
Beyond funding, the festival amplifies the voices of young storytellers. Student short films—often overlooked in major festivals—are given a platform to showcase their work. Cahilig stressed, “There are so many promising materials that showcase new and exciting voices and undeniable talents.”
Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager for Puregold and festival chair, expressed enthusiasm about working a fresh batch of filmmakers. “The festival has allowed us to connect with more people—aspiring students, professional filmmakers, industry stakeholders, cinephiles, and Filipino moviegoers who yearn for powerful stories,” she said. “Through this initiative, we’ve evolved from being just a retail brand to something that champions Filipino creativity and storytelling in a way that truly resonates.”
The eight full-length finalists are Mes de Guzman’s “Sepak Takraw,” starring Enzo Osorio and Ruby Ruiz; JP Habac’s “Olsen’s Day,” featuring Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta, and child actor Xander Nuda; Tara Illenberger’s “Tigkiliwi,” starring Gabby Padilla and Julian Paul Larroder; brothers Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat’s “Journeyman,” starring JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith; TM Malones’ “Salum” with Allen Dizon and Christine Mary Dimaisip; Jill Singson Urdaneta’s “Co-Love” with KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Jameson Blake, and Kira Balinger; Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” the festival’s documentary entry; and producer Catsi Catalan’s directorial debut, “Fleeting,” starring Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing.
Student filmmakers
The following are the 24 filmmakers from universities across the country: Adelbert Abrigonda (Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)), “Dan, En Pointe”; Allan M. Balance Jr. (PUP), “Cancer Din Ang Zodiac Sign Mo?”; Angel Allizon Cruz (University of Santo Tomas), “Dito, Dati”; Roniño Dolim (University of Eastern Philippines), “Sine-Sine”; Kenneth Flores (Far Eastern University (FEU)), “1 … 2 … Strike!!!”; Austine Rae R. Fresnido (FAITH Colleges), “Sa Susunod Sisikat si Susan”; Clyde Cuizon Gamale (University of the Philippines (UP)), “Champ Green”; Bjorn M. Herrera (Central Philippine University), “Nanay’s Frankenstein”; Maria Eleanor P. Javier (UP Visayas), “Mother at Sixty”; Ivan Gentolizo representing Mae Malaya (UP), “Sisenta!”; Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit (University of Caloocan City), “SamPie”; Naiah Nicole Mendoza (PUP), “Taympers”; Vhan Marco B. Molacruz (Colegio de San Juan de Letran), “Uwian”; Jadrien Morales (UP), “Let’s Go Somewhere Else”; Regene Narciso (Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo), “Papunta Ka Pa Lang, Naka-Bounce Na Ako”; Alexie Nicole Pardo (PUP), “Checkmate”; Kieth Earl B. Rebaño (UP Visayas), “Daeaura”; John Lester Rimorin (UP), “Japan Surplus”; Jose Andy Sales (University of San Carlos), “G!”; Mark Joseph Sanchez (PUP), “Our One and Only Bab(o)y”; Aubrey Soriano (PUP), “Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro”; Jasper Tan (FEU), “Sa Pagbunga”; Johannes Tejero (University of San Carlos), “Daog, Pildi”; and Sean Rafael A. Verdejo (National University Laguna), “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
The completed films, each carrying the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” will be screened at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to March 25. The festival is made possible with partners such as the MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, Mowelfund, Terminal Six, CMB Films, and MFP Rentals.
