The Unleash Pawscars Short Film Festival has officially opened its call for entries, inviting filmmakers to share stories inspired by the powerful bond between humans and animals. With the theme “Unleash the Love,” the festival aims to highlight the real-life magic that pets bring into our lives.
The deadline for film submissions is August 31, 2025, with the list of finalists to be revealed on September 15, 2025. Winners will be awarded during Pawscars Night, set for December 14, 2025. The Grand Prize winner will take home ₱150,000.
During the media launch, organizers unveiled the festival’s distinguished panel of jurors: independent filmmaker Arvin Belarmino, socially driven director Joseph Abello, and industry stalwart Joey Reyes, who also takes on the role of Head of Jury.
Festival Director Mark Sakay described the event as more than just a showcase of filmmaking.
“Pawscars is more than just a film competition. It’s a celebration of the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives — stories that deserve to be seen and heard by everyone.”
For Direk Joey Reyes, sincerity and originality are key to a standout entry.
“For every pet lover, may kuwento ka. Every pet lover has a kuwento about the animal that is closest to his heart,” he shared. “Yun ang hinahanap ko: the originality and the sincerity of the story that is being told. Like in every relationship, whether human or with animals, there is a narrative there.
(“Every pet lover has a story about the animal closest to their heart. That’s what I’m looking for — the sincerity and originality in how that story is told. Like any relationship, human or with animals, there’s always a narrative.)
“Of course, meron yan yung technical quality, hindi ba? Alangan namang sabihin kong naghahanap ako ng Lav Diaz version ng isang animal story, ‘no? Na nine hours!” he quipped. “You know, I’m looking for something that is sincere and heartwarming…”
“Of course, technical quality is also a factor. But I’m not expecting a nine-hour Lav Diaz version of a pet story! I’m after something sincere and heartwarming…”)
He also opened up about the deep pain of losing his dog of 14 years — a moment that left a lasting impact on him.
“No’ng namatay yung aso, mas humagulgol ako kaysa no’ng namatay ang kapatid ko. Totoo talaga! Kasi gano’n yung intimacy na meron ka sa aso mo e or sa alaga mo e! Because of your unconditional love. And I’m looking for that.”
(“When my dog passed away, I cried harder than when my own sibling died. It’s true! That’s how deep the intimacy is between you and your pet. Because of the unconditional love. And that’s the kind of connection I want to see in the stories.”)
The Pawscars Short Film Festival is presented by Unleash, a group committed to creating innovative experiences that strengthen the bond between pet owners and their beloved animals.
To learn more about the full mechanics, registration, and how to submit, visit https://unleash.ph/.
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