Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, which initially allotted five slots for the full-length film category, has expanded to include six coveted grants for participating filmmakers. Vincent Co, the president of Puregold, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition’s inclusivity and the panalo spirit it embodies. The diverse group of finalists consists of Kurt Soberano, Sigrid Bernardo, Raynier Brizuela, Joel Ferrer, Carlo Obispo, and Eugene Torres. Each of these accomplished individuals will receive a grant of P2,500,000 to support the production costs of their full-length films. Additionally, finalists will benefit from free color grading by Optima Digital and receive a grocery package from Puregold.
The submission deadline for the films is set for March 1, 2024, with the premiere scheduled for March 15 to 17, 2024, at Gateway Cinemas in Araneta City Cubao. The festival’s distinguished selection committee includes industry veterans Jeffrey Jethurian and Victor Villanueva, among others. Puregold’s commitment to fostering emerging talents is evident not only in the recognition of seasoned directors but also in the festival’s acknowledgment of 25 promising student filmmakers in the short film category.
The festival’s expansion to six grants, along with its focus on diverse voices in the film industry, underscores Puregold’s dedication to providing a platform for both established and new talents. The festival serves as a testament to Puregold’s advocacy for the Filipino youth, reinforcing its commitment to supporting and showcasing the creativity and vision of emerging filmmakers.
