After being selected from a number of submitted scripts, the following are the six (6) full length film finalists of the inaugural Puregold CINE PANALO Film Festival 2024.
The newest local film festival in Metro Manila takes place in GATEWAY (Cubao, Quezon City) Cinemas 1,2,3 in just a very limited five (5) days run – March 15 to 19, 2024 (Friday to Tuesday), so you better check out the screening sked!
Up for competition for the Full Length Film Category are:
1. SIGRID ANDREA BERNARDO for “Pushcart Tales”
Award-winning filmmaker, writer, and actress Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo is known for her outstanding work in acclaimed films such as “Anita’s Last Cha-Cha” (Cine Filipino 2013), the indie hit “Kita Kita” (2017), and “UnTrue” (2019). She has received awards and nominations from several local and international film festivals.
2. CARLO OBISPO for “A Lab Story”
An accomplished writer, director, and producer, Carlo Gallen Obispo has made a mark with notable films including “Purok 7” (Cinemalaya 2013), “Gasping For Air” (2016), and “The Baseball Player” (Cinemalaya 2022), and has likewise received awards from reputable award-giving institutions.
3. JOEL FERRER for “Road to Happy”
An actor, director, and writer, Joel Ferrer boasts an extensive portfolio of 15 films and series, including “Hello World” (2013), “Baka Siguro Yata” (Cinema One Originals 2015), and “Woke Up Like This” (2017). He has also received accolades from local and international film festivals.
4. RAYNIER BRIZUELA for “Boys At The Back”
Another accomplished director and actor, Rayn F. Brizuela is known for his contributions to films like “Asuang” (2018), “Mang Jose” (2021), and “Video City: Be Kind, Please Rewind” (2023), and his nominations from FAMAS and Cinema One Originals Film Festival.
5. KURT SOBERANO for “Under A Piaya Moon”
Making it to the prestigious list of finalists is Bacolod-based director and “newbie” in the industry Kurt Soberano. An actor, director, and writer, he has so far crafted short films such as “Azucar” (2019), “Sa Balay Ni Papang” (2021), and “Golden Bells” (2022).
6. EUGENE TORRES for “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All”
In a surprising twist, the organizers added a “Producer’s Choice” entry, awarded to Eugene Torres. This expanded the final count of full-length category finalists to six slots from the original five. Torres is an actor, producer, and director, noted for his short film “Yujin” (2017) and contributions to films “Gatilyo” (2019) and “Deleter” (2022).
Vincent Co, President of Puregold, stated, “The vision for Puregold’s CinePanalo Festival is to establish it as a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talent.
“I am delighted to see these filmmakers getting the well-deserved spots, highlighting the panalo spirit and inclusivity of this competition.”
Each of the six finalists received a film grant of 2.5 million pesos, used in the film production and got free color grading services from Optima Digital.
The distinguished selection committee for Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2024 includes veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jeturian; award-winning filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; and Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig.
Hayagan-Piedad of Puregorld remarks, “Navigating through so much talent and creativity during deliberations was no walk in the park. The finalists’ films are very refreshing.”
Cahilig highlights Puregold’s role in this endeavor, thanking the company “for giving space to diverse voices in the film industry.”
Moreover, there are 25 student SHORT FILMS competing in the short film category, underscoring the commitment of Puregold to foster emerging talents.
By providing a platform for young filmmakers to show their creativity and vision, the festival also reaffirms the company’s advocacy for the Filipino youth.
The AWARDS NIGHT will take place on March 16, Saturday at Gateway Cinema 5. After the March 15-19 festival run in Gateway, potential regional screenings may follow.
Congratulations to all finalists and see you at the festival this week!
