Puregold CinePanalo Announces Top 20 Student Shorts Finalists for 2026 Festival Run

Puregold CinePanalo, currently on its third iteration, has unveiled the top 20 student short films culled from an impressive pool of 267 submissions nationwide. Chosen from an initial top 53 shortlist, the select entries were crafted by the Philippines’ most promising student filmmakers who are poised to shape the future of Philippine cinema.

The following are the 20 Student Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo:

• “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)
• “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

The young filmmakers behind these top entries will benefit from this year’s more expansive Puregold CinePanalo, which offers a production grant of Php 200,000 and sponsorship of equipment packages to support the production of their films.

Furthermore, Puregold CinePanalo, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), presents expanded educational incentives for the student filmmakers. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, alongside additional tuition benefits and career guidance programs.

Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists. “Reaching this stage was no easy task. 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 the Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”

Now a recognized platform in the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival dedicated to amplifying young Filipino voices and their craft. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants to student filmmakers, creating opportunities for their professional development and exposure.

The festival is scheduled for September 23 to October 4, 2026 at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will screen alongside seven full-length feature films.

Films produced and launched through previous Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to garner critical acclaim, with alumni works screening and earning awards at notable film festivals here and abroad.

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you may stay updated through the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.