MANILA, Philippines — The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is set to bring another diverse lineup of Filipino stories to cinemas as the festival enters its third edition, with theatrical screenings scheduled from September 23 to October 4, 2026.
This year’s festival features seven full-length films competing in the main section, alongside the newly introduced Panorama Shorts Section, which gives completed short films an opportunity to reach audiences through theatrical exhibition.
The seven full-length entries are “Wantawsan,” directed by Joseph Abello; “Mono No Aware,” directed by BC Amparado; “Apol of My Ai,” directed by Thop Nazareno; “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry),” directed by Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan; “Beast,” directed by Lawrence Fajardo; “Stuck on You,” directed by Mikko Baldoza; and “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” directed by Rodina Singh.
Each of the seven feature-film projects received a ₱5-million production grant, providing substantial support for the filmmakers to develop and complete their respective projects.
The films also bring together a mix of established and emerging Filipino actors, including John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, Xyriel Manabat, Ian Pangilinan and Khalil Ramos, among others.
A New Platform for Filipino Short Films
One of the major developments in this year’s CinePanalo is the introduction of the Panorama Shorts Section.
Unlike the main competition, which supports the production of new feature-length films, Panorama focuses on completed short films, giving filmmakers an additional avenue to have their work screened theatrically and discovered by a wider audience.
Ten films were selected for the inaugural Panorama Shorts lineup:
- “Alien Girl!” — Juliana Skye Q. Estaris
- “Aninaw” — Arthur Benedict Dugan Eustaquio
- “Gatecrashers” — Mark Francis Daniel T. Vicente
- “Lip Skimming” — Gian Arre
- “Narito Ako: A Digital Afterlife” — Miguel Lorenzo Peralta
- “pansamantagalan” — Jiean Lanz Llave
- “PINAGKAISAHAN” — Angela Jed Silvestre-Placino
- “Plop” — Angela Isabelle Colada
- “The Other Side of Reality” — Zig Dulay
- “Unti-unti” — Genevieve Gallaga
The addition of Panorama expands CinePanalo’s role beyond production grants, placing greater emphasis on theatrical access and audience exposure for Filipino filmmakers.
From Production Support to Cinema Exposure
The 2026 edition reflects a broader approach to supporting local filmmaking. While production funding remains at the heart of the festival, the organizers are also creating opportunities for completed films to reach audiences inside actual cinemas.
For independent filmmakers, theatrical exposure can be as important as production support. A completed film still needs an audience, and the Panorama Shorts Section provides filmmakers with an avenue to bring their work beyond festivals, online platforms or limited screenings.
The seven feature-film entries have also begun their promotional campaign, with official posters and publicity materials being released ahead of the festival’s theatrical opening.
Where to Watch
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 will run from September 23 to October 4, 2026.
The participating films are scheduled to screen at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
The Panorama Shorts will also receive theatrical screenings, including at Gateway Cineplex 18.
Tickets for the Panorama Shorts are priced at ₱250, with a discounted ₱200 rate available to eligible PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders. A ₱2,000 festival pass is also available for audiences who want access to the festival’s full-length films and student shorts.
More Than a Film Competition
As CinePanalo enters its third edition, the festival is positioning itself as more than a competition for filmmakers.
It is becoming a platform where Filipino stories can receive financial support, production opportunities, theatrical exposure and direct access to audiences.
The seven feature films offer different genres, themes and approaches to storytelling, while the ten Panorama Shorts further expand the range of voices represented in the festival.
Ultimately, the success of CinePanalo may not be measured solely by the awards handed out at the end of the festival. It can also be measured by the number of Filipino filmmakers given the opportunity to tell their stories—and by how many audiences are given the opportunity to see them.
With screenings beginning September 23, CinePanalo 2026 is preparing to put Filipino filmmaking back in the spotlight, one story at a time.
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