The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival returns from September 23 to October 4 with seven full-length films, a wider range of genres and regular tickets priced at ₱250.
For its 2026 edition, the festival has removed its previous requirement for entries to follow the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” giving filmmakers greater freedom to explore different subjects and storytelling styles.
Festival director Chris Cahilig said the decision was intended to create more space for filmmakers to tell the stories they wanted to share.
“Hindi dahil wala kaming gustong sabihin, kundi dahil gusto naming makinig,” Cahilig explained.
“Hinayaan naming malaya ang mga filmmakers na magkwento kung ano ang gusto nilang sabihin, kung ano ang gusto nilang ipakita at kung ano ang tingin nilang kailangang makita at marinig ng manonood,” he added.
The change has opened the festival to horror, suspense, crime, fantasy and stories exploring darker social realities.
This year’s lineup brings together established filmmakers, emerging directors and actors from film, television and digital entertainment:
‘Apol of My AI’ — Directed by Thop Nazareno; starring Zanjoe Marudo, Zion Cruz and Rochelle Pangilinan.
‘Beast’ — Directed by Lawrence Fajardo; starring John Arcilla.
‘Mono No Aware’ — Directed by BC Amparado; starring Juan Karlos Labajo and Perry Dizon.
‘Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo)’ — Directed by Rodina Singh; starring Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia. The film marks Sassa Gurl’s lead-film debut.
‘Patay Gutom’ — Directed by Carl Papa; starring Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro and Cris Villanueva.
‘Stuck on You’ — Directed by Mikko Baldoza; starring Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph.
‘Wantawsan’ — Directed by Joseph Abello; starring Joross Gamboa, Rita Daniela and Zion Cruz.
The festival also features 19 student short films, providing a platform for young filmmakers alongside the full-length competition.
Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while discounted tickets cost ₱200 for qualified moviegoers, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders.
A ₱2,000 festival pass is also available for viewers who want to watch the full lineup.
Festival passes will be available at Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning September 22 and at TriNoma starting September 23.
Screenings will take place at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Cahilig thanked the directors, actors, film workers and audiences supporting the festival, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for Filipino filmmakers.
“Nagsisimula pa lang tayo,” he said. “Habang may kwentong Pilipinong gustong sabihin, dapat may espasyong gustong makinig. Habang may filmmaker na nangangahas mangarap, dapat may handang maniwala.”