Puregold CinePanalo announces the top 20 student shorts for the 2026 festival

Puregold CinePanalo, now in its third iteration, presented the 20 best short films collected from an impressive pool of 267 submissions across the country. Selected from an initial shortlist of 53, the selected entries were designed by promising Filipino student filmmakers who are ready to shape the future of Philippine cinema.

The following are the 20 Short Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo:

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Starfish by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Alumahan by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

A MILLION DREAM by Ace Joven Ballet, University of Eastern Philippines

Cannibal by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)

Miss Intrams by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)

SOUND K by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University

TEKS BATTLE: DUBA PATI PATO! by John Russell Capule, University of Caloocan City

A LOT by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School

Pulis Dunggab by Maxine Dela Bajan, ACADEMY Cebu

Kapag Tapos and Umpukan by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

Ang Huling Banlaw and Susan by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)

Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)

12 Shots by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

No Mad is An Island by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University

Nakabinbin by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila

When Heaven Enters Earth by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

Limlim by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia

Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (Cracked Carabao Horns) by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Kun Hain? Even Diin by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

Nang Matakasan ang Tagay by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

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Young filmmakers behind this top entry will benefit from this year’s expanded Puregold CinePanalo, which provides a P200,000 production grant and equipment package funding to support their film production.

In addition, Puregold CinePanalo, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), presents extended educational incentives for film students. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships from APFI, as well as additional scholarship benefits and career guidance programs.

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, chief marketing officer of Puregold, extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists. “Getting to this stage was no easy feat. We believe these young filmmakers hold some of the most important stories to be told today. We are proud to give them a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how Filipino audiences connect and react to these films created especially for them.”

Now a recognized platform in the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival dedicated to amplifying the voices of young Filipinos and their craft. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants to student filmmakers, creating opportunities to develop their skills and gain exposure.

The festival is scheduled for Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, 2026 at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where 20 student shorts will be screened along with seven full-length films.

Films produced and premiered at previous Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to gain critical acclaim, as alumni screen work and receive awards at notable film festivals here and abroad.

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you can stay updated on the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.

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