Puregold CinePanalo has officially unveiled the Top 20 student short films selected from 267 entries submitted by students from different parts of the country.
From the initial Top 53 shortlist, the best works created by student filmmakers were chosen to compete in the third edition of the festival.
Here 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)
“Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
The young filmmakers will receive a production grant of 200,000 pesos in addition to sponsored equipment packages to support the production of their films, as part of Puregold CinePanalo’s expanded program this year.
In collaboration with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), expanded educational incentives were also launched for the participants. Winners of Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, along with other tuition benefits and career guidance programs.
Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, extended her congratulations to the Top 20 finalists.
“Reaching this stage was not easy. We believe these young filmmakers carry important stories that need to be told in today’s time. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring their stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how audiences will receive and relate to these films.”
Now recognized as an established platform in the Philippine film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival that aims to champion the voices and artistry of young Filipino filmmakers. Since its launch, hundreds of thousands of pesos in production grants have been awarded, opening more opportunities for their professional growth and exposure.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will be held from September 23 to October 4, 2026, at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City and selected Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will be screened alongside seven full-length feature films.
Films produced and screened in previous editions of the festival have continued to earn critical acclaim, have been showcased at various prestigious film festivals locally and abroad, and have won awards.
For more information about the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, visit the festival’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
