CinemaBravo

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, a first of its kind for the go-to retail brand for majority of Filipinos, recently unveiled its selected finalists and awarded coveted film grants. The announcement took place at an events place in Quezon City during a press conference attended by Puregold representatives, accomplished film directors, producers, and other essential team members.

Emphasizing its core objectives, Puregold aims to provide a platform for established and emerging filmmakers, presenting narratives collectively known as “Kuwentong Panalo” that resonate with the Filipino spirit. From a pool of numerous CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one outstanding entries were chosen as finalists, marking the initiation of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Highlighted during the press conference were the full-length film finalists, including newcomers Kurt Soberano with “Under the Piaya Moon” and Eugene Torres with “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All,” both awarded the prestigious “Producer’s Choice” title, expanding the initial five grant slots to six. Renowned directors Sigrid Bernardo, Raynier Brizuela, Joel Ferrer, and Carlo Obispo also made the list with their compelling entries.

On another hand, the new student directors who were presented are as follows:

• Jenievive B. Adame – “Smokey Journey” (STI College Cubao)
• Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo – “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Alexa Moneii Agaloos – “Ka Benjie” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Kent Michael Cadungog – “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366” (University of the Philippines)
• John Pistol L. Carmen – “Repeater si Peter” (Bicol University)
• Chrisha Eseo Cataag – “Hallway Scholar” (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)
• Patricia W. Dalluay – “Lola, Lola, Paano ba ‘Yan?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Joanah Pearl Demonteverde – “Kang Pagpuli Ko” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
• Joshua Andrey A. Doce – “I Am Mutya And I Thank You!” (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)
• Neil M. Espino – “Sa Hindi Paghahangad” (De La Salle Lipa)
• Terrence Gale Fernandez – “Kaibigan ko si Batman” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Daniel Gil – “Distansya” (Ateneo de Davao University)
• Alexandra Lapid – “Queng Apag” (Mapúa University)
• Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima – “Tiil ni Lola” (University of San Carlos)
• Dizelle C. Masilungan – “Kung Nag-aatubili” (University of Santo Tomas)
• Jose Mikyl Medina – “Lutong Bahay” (De La Salle University)
• Ronjay-C Mendiola – “Last Shift” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Mark Terence Molave – “Paano po gumawa ng collage college?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde – “Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess” (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
• Doxford D. Perlas – “Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie’s Lost Again!)” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
• Andrea S. Ponce – “Layag sa Pangarap” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
• Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion – “Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah” (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)
• John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito – “Tambal nga Sabaw” (Far Eastern University)
• Tyrone Lean J. Taotao – “Abandoned Lullabies” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
• Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon – “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

In a gesture of support, the six full-length film directors received substantial grants of Php 2,500,000 each, while 25 short film student directors were granted Php 100,000 each. Additionally, all finalists received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital and essential groceries from Puregold during the production phase.

The culmination of the festival will be the premiere of Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films at Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, 2024, with potential regional screenings to follow. Short films will also be available on Puregold’s official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.

A distinguished selection committee, featuring industry veterans such as Jeffrey Jethurian, Tito Valiente, Victor Villanueva, Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Lyle Gonzales, and festival director Chris Cahilig, played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s trajectory.

The CinePanalo Film Festival underscores Puregold’s commitment to nurturing local talent, bridging gaps, and showcasing authentic Filipino stories in the cinematic landscape. This celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people promises to make the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival a standout event in the industry.