Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival’s 55 shortlisted directors revealed

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has officially unveiled the official entries for its full-length and student shorts categories, marking a significant milestone in its inaugural edition: 55 standout entries were selected on November 6 out of the impressive 270 submissions.

Check out the list of shortlisted directors for full-length and student shorts below.

Dedicated to showcasing the resilience of the Filipino spirit and celebrating everyday victories, Puregold CinePanalo has named 15 established and promising directors for the full-length category. Meanwhile, 40 talented student filmmakers have advanced to the next round in the short film category.

In a show of support for emerging talent, Puregold will award a substantial grant of P2,500,000 to each of the five selected directors in the full-length category. Additionally, 25 grants worth P100,000 each will be presented to promising amateur directors in the short film category.

Vincent Co, President of Puregold, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the festival’s call for submissions, with entries pouring in from all corners of the Philippines, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The full-length category boasts 125 entries, while the student shorts category received 135 submissions.

Shortlisted directors for the student shorts category:

Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Jenievive B. Adame (STI College Cubao)
Alexa Moneii Agaloos (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Krizlynn Erl A. Atienza (Our Lady of Caysasay Academy)
Carlo James Buan (Colegio de San Juan de Letran)
Kent Michael Cadungog (University of the Philippines)
Chrisha Eseo Cataag (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)
John Pistol L. Carmen (Bicol University)
Patricia Mae T. Dacanay (Faith Colleges)
Cedric Dalangin (University of the Philippines)
Patricia W. Dalluay (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Timothy Seth L. Dela Llana (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
Joanah Pearl Demonteverde (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
Joshua Andrey A. Doce (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)
Neil M. Espino (De La Salle Lipa)
Jean A. Evangelista (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
Ma. Anne Sofhia S. Flores (Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila)
Terrence Gale Fernandez (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Clyde Gamale (University of the Philippines Film Institute)
Daniel Gil (Ateneo de Davao University)
Marc John C. Guevarra (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
Alexandra Lapid (Mapúa University)
Kim Sheenlee Laudato (Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School – Silay City)
Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima (University of San Carlos)
Kean Gaius D. Magno (College of Saint Anthony)
Dizelle C. Masilungan (University of Santo Tomas)
Jose Mikyl Medina (De La Salle University)
Ronjay-C Mendiola (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Mark Terence Molave (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
Doxford D. Perlas (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
Andrea S. Ponce (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
Lyka B. Rojo (Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila)
John Matthew Valle Samson (Ateneo de Manila University)
John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito (Far Eastern University)
Tyrone Lean J. Taotao (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)
Manilie Ang Teston (Emilio Aguinaldo College Manila)
Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
Mel Jose Cadalin Tutor (Asia Pacific Film Institute)

The official entries for the full-length and student shorts categories represent a diverse and promising array of filmmaking talent.

The esteemed panel of judges for the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival includes Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Senior Marketing Manager; festival director and filmmaker Chris Cahilig; directors Lemuel Lorca and Emmanuel dela Cruz; and writer and film critic Tito Valiente. Their collective expertise ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the outstanding entries.

As part of Puregold’s commitment to retailtainment initiatives, CinePanalo serves as a platform to connect with loyal customers and new audiences beyond their stores, according to Vincent Co.

Chris Cahilig, the festival director, expressed satisfaction with the exceptional talent displayed in the submissions, highlighting the challenge of narrowing down the selection. The next phase involves Puregold’s careful selection of ultimate finalists from the shortlist, who will then proceed to script finalization and production.

Participants are required to submit their completed films by March 1, 2024, with short films expected to run for 20 to 30 minutes and full-length features extending to a minimum of 90 minutes.

The highly anticipated Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will showcase the completed films at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 8 to 10, 2024, with potential regional screenings to follow. Besides the substantial grants, the final films will be eligible for prestigious awards presented on March 9, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Fully produced short film entries will also be featured on the official Puregold Channel on YouTube, joining the platform’s successful digital narratives. Follow their social media accounts for details.