Eight students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have emerged as finalists in the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
Out of the 25 students from various universities introduced by Puregold on Monday at Artson Events Place in QC, these PUPians are set to demonstrate their skills in directing, writing, or filmmaking, potentially becoming the next wave of accomplished directors.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, introduced by Puregold, aims to provide a platform for both established and budding filmmakers to tell compelling stories that resonate with Filipino audiences. The festival’s primary objectives include nurturing local talent and showcasing authentic Filipino narratives.
During Monday’s press conference, the 25 students were introduced, marking the commencement of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The festival includes both full-length and short films, with two newcomers, Kurt Soberano for ‘Under the Piaya Moon’ and Eugene Torressa for ‘One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All,’ securing the Producer’s Choice title.
Here are the list of Student entries:
● Jenievive B. Adame – “Smokey Journey” (STI College Cubao)
● Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo – “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Alexa Moneii Agaloos – “Ka Benjie” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Kent Michael Cadungog – “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366” (University of the Philippines)
● John Pistol L. Carmen – “Repeater si Peter” (Bicol University)
● Chrisha Eseo Cataag – “Hallway Scholar” (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)
● Patricia W. Dalluay – “Lola, Lola, Paano ba ‘Yan?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Joanah Pearl Demonteverde – “Kang Pagpuli Ko” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
● Joshua Andrey A. Doce – “I Am Mutya And I Thank You!” (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)
● Neil M. Espino – “Sa Hindi Paghahangad” (De La Salle Lipa)
● Terrence Gale Fernandez – “Kaibigan ko si Batman” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Daniel Gil – “Distansya” (Ateneo de Davao University)
● Alexandra Lapid – “Queng Apag” (Mapúa University)
● Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima – “Tiil ni Lola” (University of San Carlos)
● Dizelle C. Masilungan – “Kung Nag-aatubili” (University of Santo Tomas)
● Jose Mikyl Medina – “Lutong Bahay” (De La Salle University)
● Ronjay-C Mendiola – “Last Shift” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Mark Terence Molave – “Paano po gumawa ng collage college?” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
● Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde – “Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess” (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)
● Doxford D. Perlas – “Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie’s Lost Again!)” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
● Andrea S. Ponce – “Layag sa Pangarap” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
● Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion – “Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah” (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)
● John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito – “Tambal nga Sabaw” (Far Eastern University)
● Tyrone Lean J. Taotao – “Abandoned Lullabies” (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa)
● Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon – “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?” (University of the Philippines – Visayas)
Renowned directors Sigrid Bernardo, Raynier Brizuela, Joel Ferrer, and Carlo Obispo complete the list of filmmakers participating in the full-length category. The promising new student directors from PUP and other universities are set to bring fresh perspectives to the cinematic landscape.
The six full-length film directors will each receive a substantial grant of P2,500,000, while the 25 short film student directors will be granted P100,000 each. Additionally, all finalists will benefit from complimentary color grading for their films from Optima Digital and essential groceries from Puregold to support them throughout the filmmaking process.
The premiere of the films, both full-length and short films, is scheduled at Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to March 17, 2024, followed by regional screenings. Short films will also be accessible on Puregold’s official social media channels, including YouTube and TikTok.
The selection committee, consisting of esteemed figures such as Jeffrey Jethurian, Tito Valiente, Victor Villanueva, Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Lyle Gonzales, and festival director Chris Cahilig, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
Through this festival, Puregold underscores its commitment to fostering local talent, bridging gaps, and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.
