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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:
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2. “Alumahan” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
3. “A MILLION DREAM” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines
4. “Kanibal” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
5. “Miss Intrams” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)
6. “THE SOUND OF K” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University
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8. “TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School
9. “Pulis Dunggab” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu
10. “Kapag Tapos Na Ang Umpukan” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
11. “Ang Huling Banlaw Ni Susan” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
12. “Sa Mga Nagdaan At Lumipas” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)
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14. “No Mad Is An Island” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University
15. “Nakabinbin” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila
16. “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
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18. “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
19. “Kun Hain? Bisan Diin” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
20. “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 Php200,000 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. Puregold Price Club Inc. Senior Marketing Manager and Puregold CinePanalo Festival Chairperson Ivy Hayagan-Piedad extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists, stating, “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 2026 edition of the festival will take place on September 23-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 and updates on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, visit and follow the official festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
