MANILA, Philippines — Puregold CinePanalo has announced the 20 student short films selected to compete in its 2026 festival run, drawing from 267 submissions nationwide and highlighting a new wave of Filipino filmmakers.
Now on its third edition, the film festival narrowed the entries to a shortlist of 53 before selecting the final 20, representing students from universities and schools across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Organizers said the finalists reflect both the geographic diversity and creative range of emerging filmmakers in the country.
The 20 selected student shorts are:
“Starfish,” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; “Alumahan,” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; “A Million Dream,” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines; “Kanibal,” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines Visayas; “Miss Intrams,” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines Mindanao; “The Sound of K,” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University; “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!” by John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City; “Tingi,” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School; “Pulis Dunggab,” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu; “Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan,” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation; “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan,” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines Visayas; “Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas,” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines Open University; “12 Shots,” by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines Diliman; “No Mad Is an Island,” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University; “Nakabinbin,” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran–Manila; “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth,” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines Diliman; “Limlim,” by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia; “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked),” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; “Kun Hain? Bisan Diin,” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines Diliman; and “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay,” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines Diliman.
The filmmakers will receive a production grant of P200,000 each, along with sponsored equipment packages to support the completion of their films. Organizers said the expanded support is part of the festival’s effort to strengthen student filmmaking from development through exhibition.
In partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute, Puregold CinePanalo is also offering educational incentives. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize and Best Director awards will be eligible for full scholarships at the institute, in addition to tuition assistance and career guidance programs.
“Reaching this stage was no easy task,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold. “We believe these young filmmakers carry some of the most important stories that need to be told today. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”
Since its launch, Puregold CinePanalo has positioned itself as a platform for emerging Filipino voices, awarding hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants and helping student filmmakers gain industry exposure. Several films developed through earlier editions have gone on to screen and win awards at local and international festivals.
The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is scheduled from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City and select Ayala Cinemas. The student shorts will screen alongside seven full-length feature films.
