Ph Cinema’s newest film festival unveils finalist directors
THE country’s latest movie competition, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, formally introduced the beneficiaries of its generous film grants at media conference in Quezon City’s Artson Events Place this week.
The highly anticipated event is poised to usher in a new era of exceptional Filipino cinema, and therefore drew an impressive gathering during the announcement of finalists. Spotted at the media conference were, of course, representatives from Puregold welcoming the film directors, their respective producers, and key team members.
The ensuing program emphasized Puregold’s core objectives: to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers and to present narratives collectively known as “Mga Kuwentong Panalo” that resonate with the Filipino spirit.
Out of a huge pool of CinePanalo applicants, only 31 finalists made it to the cut. [Details regarding the names, schools, and film entry titles of the rest of the emerging student directors can be found at https:// www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/10/ entertainment-lifestyle/showtimes/cinepanalo-student-grantsreleased/1927396].
Meanwhile, six full-length film finalists were also announced from the 31 selections, including newcomers Kurt Soberano with “Under the Piaya Moon” and Eugene Torres with “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All.” These films earned the esteemed title of “Producer’s Choice,” expanding the initial five grant slots to six. Accompanying them were distinguished directors Sigrid Bernardo for “Pushcart Tales,” Raynier Brizuela for “Boys at the Back,” Joel Ferrer for “Road to Happy,” and Carlo Obispo for “A Lab Story.”
The grants awarded to the six full-length film directors received a significant grant of P2,500,000, while 25 short film student directors were awarded P100,000 each. Additionally, all finalists received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital and essential groceries from Puregold to further support them during the production phase.
The completed Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films are scheduled for a premiere at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, with potential regional screenings to follow. Short films will also be available on Puregold’s official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.
The distinguished selection committee, comprising seasoned film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; film critic Tito Valiente; awardwinning filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; and Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig, played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s direction.
The nationwide discount chain’s Ivy Piedad ended the event by announcing that CinePanalo has been mounted to reinforce Puregold’s commitment to nurturing local talent, bridging gaps, and propelling authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape.
“This film festival pledges to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people so I hope the public supports and enjoys this endeavor when we roll out the completed entries in March,” the executive expressed.