MANILA, Philippines — The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to widen international opportunities for Filipino filmmakers as the festival enters its third year.
Organizers said the collaboration strengthens CinePanalo’s role as a platform for emerging and established local talents by providing wider visibility, international screening opportunities and stronger links to global audiences. The partnership aligns Puregold CinePanalo’s advocacy of “Panalo sa Husay” with FDCP programs designed to support the growth and global presence of Philippine cinema.
Under the FDCP’s Special Partnership Program, filmmakers participating in Puregold CinePanalo 2026 will gain access to screenings at FDCP Cinematheque Centres, visibility on JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel, and possible inclusion in FDCP international mission delegations. These initiatives are intended to connect Filipino films to broader audiences and international industry networks.
Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the festival aims to create meaningful space for local creatives to grow and be recognized.
“This festival is about giving our very own filmmakers a platform where their creative abilities can be fully recognized,” Hayagan-Piedad said.
“Puregold CinePanalo offers filmmakers the chance to gain exposure, reach audiences internationally, and hone their skills. We're particularly excited about the fresh perspectives and heart that this year's entries will offer, as well as our collaboration with the FDCP, which opens up even more chances for development and recognition," she added.
FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes said CinePanalo has quickly established itself as a vital venue for nurturing Filipino film voices.
“Even though it has just been on for a number of years, right now, CinePanalo has proven itself to be an important venue for the development of the voice of Philippine cinema,” Reyes said. “It is in CinePanalo that we are able to discover the next generation of Filipino filmmakers.”
Festival organizers said the partnership provides tangible support that allows participants to broaden their presence in the industry, engage with professional networks and further develop their craft. Through FDCP-backed platforms, curated screenings and international programs, filmmakers are given new avenues to showcase their work locally and abroad.
Puregold CinePanalo 2026 will be held at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas in Metro Manila. The festival will feature seven full-length films and 20 student short films, highlighting stories that reflect the depth and diversity of Filipino creativity while giving filmmakers opportunities for recognition on both national and international stages.
