Mc Richard Paglicawan
The CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 is set to be grander and more exciting, bringing significant changes for all participants.
Following the success of the inaugural Puregold CinePanalo film festival this year, the organizers, led by Festival Director Chris Cahilig, aim to make the second edition even more historic.
Director Chris emphasized that the expanded platform will allow both amateur and professional filmmakers to showcase their talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft.
During the press conference for the launch of the 2nd CinePanalo held at Gateway Cineplex 18 on July 23, student directors from the first edition shared their experiences alongside Director Chris.
Puregold considers the success of the inaugural festival as a launching pad to elevate the quality of films in the country. This year’s CinePanalo edition has increased its funding pool, providing a production grant of P3 million to seven full-length directors and P150,000 to 25 student short film directors.
Similar to this year, Puregold CinePanalo 2025 seeks films that showcase the excellence and hard work of Filipinos through inspiring “panalo stories.”
Interested participants must submit a complete screenplay along with other requirements by July 30 for full-length films and August 15 for student shorts.
The launch event saw the presence of Always Panalo Film awardee Carlo Obispo. Best Picture winner Kurt Soberano, whose film ‘Under A Piaya Moon’ was recently re-screened, sent a special video message encouraging filmmakers to submit their winning stories.
Also present were MOWELFUND Director Ricky Orellana and new festival partner CMB big boss Jim Baltazar.
Messages from full-length directors were complemented by four students sharing their experiences and learnings with young aspiring filmmakers.
Always Panalo Film awardee Jenievive Adame, Best Director winner Dizelle Masilungan, and regional filmmakers Marian Jayce Tiongzon and Joanah Demonteverde also attended the event.
Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Piedad emphasized the importance of rewarding Filipino artistry and celebrating the spirit of ‘Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay.’
Piedad highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for student filmmakers who lack sufficient funding resources compared to established directors.
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“Noong una naming inilunsad ang Puregold CinePanalo, naisip namin na i-champion ang mga kuwentong Filipino, itaguyod ang mga mag-aaral na gumagawa ng pelikula sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng plataporma para sa kanilang mga pangarap na maikling pelikula, at iangat ang eksena sa lokal na pelikula,” Piedad stated.
She mentioned how CinePanalo has illuminated the talents of young, aspiring filmmakers, some of whom have leveraged the momentum from the competition to further their passion.
“Nakita namin ang pagsilang ng mga promising talents, na may ilang inspiring story na nabuhay sa big screen. Dahil sa tagumpay ng nakaraang edisyon, narito na naman tayo. Bumalik at mas malaki kaysa dati, handang ipagdiwang ang isa pang taon ng hindi kapani-paniwalang mga pelikula at markahan ang ikalawang kabanata ng Puregold CinePanalo,” Piedad added.
Interested filmmakers are encouraged to read the mechanics of the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Festival available on Puregold’s official social media accounts. Official applications can be submitted at https://forms.gle/wNUUQ62okYcyW5r37.
