Filmmakers in the Philippines have a new reason to be excited as the upcoming CinePanalo Film Festival gears up to showcase the country’s cinematic talent in 2024.
Open to both amateur and professional directors, as well as aspiring student filmmakers, the CinePanalo Film Festival promises to be a groundbreaking event for the local film industry. With the theme “Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay” (Stories of Winning in Life), the festival is set to be a highlight on the calendar, supported by Puregold, and scheduled for March 2024.
CinePanalo Film Festival boasts one of the most significant production grants in the industry. Five emerging and professional directors will each receive P2,500,000 for their Full-Length Film entries, while 25 student filmmakers will be awarded P100,000 each for the Short Film category.
Submissions are now open for those eager to participate. Entries can be sent to thesecretariat@cinepanalo.com, with a requirement that the films be original, wholesome, inspiring, and family-oriented, aligning with the “Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay” theme.
Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., stated, “Through CinePanalo, we aim to provide hope to talented young filmmakers who are just waiting for their big break. We hope that the financial assistance and exposure they receive will give them the opportunity to reach their dreams.”
The festival is on the lookout for heartwarming stories that align with its official theme, emphasizing values of love, family, and hope. Chris Cahilig, the festival director, remarked, “We want to leave a sense of joy to the entries, a feeling that can only be provided by excellent films. We’re eagerly anticipating the beautiful stories that local directors will share with the public.”
Completed films will be showcased during a three-day festival at Gateway Cinemas from March 8 to 10, 2024. Short films will be posted on Puregold’s official social media pages and the Puregold Channel on YouTube. These short films will be featured alongside popular retailtainment series such as “GV Boys,” “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask,” and “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile.”
With an industry increasingly dominated by violent or worldly themes, the CinePanalo Film Festival aims to focus on stories with heart and hope, providing audiences with meaningful content suitable for the entire family.
The CinePanalo team emphasized that a selection committee will carefully review all entries to identify exceptional directors who will make it to the festival’s lineup in March.
For those interested in applying, simply email thesecretariat@cinepanalo.com to receive the necessary application materials. All applications must be submitted by October 27, 2023. The shortlist of selected directors will be announced on November 6, 2023.
