Puregold CinePanalo has officially announced the Top 20 Student Short Films selected for its 2026 festival, marking another milestone for the film platform now on its third iteration. The finalists were chosen from an impressive 267 submissions nationwide, narrowed down from an initial shortlist of 53 entries—underscoring the growing reach and credibility of the festival among young Filipino filmmakers.
The selected films represent the work of the country’s most promising student storytellers—voices poised to help shape the future of Philippine cinema through fresh perspectives, regional narratives, and bold creative visions.
The 20 Student Shorts selected for Puregold CinePanalo 2026 are:
- Starfish – John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Alumahan – Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- A Million Dream – Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines
- Kanibal – Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
- Miss Intrams – Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)
- The Sound of K – Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University
- Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato! – John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City
- Tingi – Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School
- Pulis Dunggab – Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu
- Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan – Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
- Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan – Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
- Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas – Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)
- 12 Shots – Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
- No Mad Is an Island – Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University
- Nakabinbin – Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran–Manila
- When Heaven Inched Towards Earth – Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
- Limlim – Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia
- Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked) – Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Kun Hain? Bisan Diin – Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
- Nang Matakasan ang Tagay – Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
The filmmakers behind these shortlisted entries will receive a Php 200,000 production grant, along with sponsored equipment packages, enabling them to fully realize their projects for the festival showcase.
This year’s edition also introduces expanded educational opportunities through Puregold CinePanalo’s partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI). Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director awards will be eligible for full scholarships, in addition to tuition support and career development programs aimed at nurturing long-term growth in the industry.
Congratulating the finalists, Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, said:
“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 Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”
Now firmly established as a vital incubator for emerging talent, Puregold CinePanalo continues its mission to amplify young Filipino voices. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in production grants, opening doors for student filmmakers to gain professional exposure and industry recognition.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is scheduled to run from September 23 to October 4, 2026, with screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City and select Ayala Cinemas. The 20 student shorts will be shown alongside seven full-length feature films.
Notably, films launched through previous CinePanalo editions have gone on to earn critical acclaim and international recognition, screening and winning awards at major film festivals both in the Philippines and abroad.
For updates and more information, follow the official Puregold CinePanalo Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
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