Puregold CinePanalo now accepts finished short films in new Panorama section

Filmmakers get big-screen шанс as festival opens doors to completed works for 2026 edition.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is opening its doors wider to Filipino filmmakers with the launch of the Panorama Shorts Section, a new showcase accepting completed works from both professional and student filmmakers.

Unlike the festival’s production grant categories, which provide funding for filmmakers to create new projects, Panorama Shorts gives already finished films a chance to reach the big screen. No production grants will be provided under the new section.

Ten never-before-seen Filipino short films will be selected, with each making its Philippine premiere during the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, which runs from September 23 to October 4.

The selected shorts will be screened at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas.

“The Panorama Shorts Section is yet another way for Puregold CinePanalo to continue expanding opportunities for Filipino filmmakers,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold.

“Every year, we see more deserving stories and more exceptional talent that deserve to be discovered. Through the Panorama Shorts Section, we’re creating another platform where these Filipino voices can reach audiences on the big screen.”

The Panorama Shorts Section welcomes films of all themes, genres, and styles. It is open to Filipino filmmakers aged 15 and above at the time of application, including students, emerging filmmakers, independent creators, and industry professionals.

Eligible films must have a maximum running time of 20 minutes and must have completed production between January 1, 2025 and July 30, 2026.

Films must not have had their Philippine premiere, although student thesis films previously screened only on their respective campuses remain eligible. The applying director of each film will be considered the main proponent of the production.

Submissions are open until 11:59 PM on August 15, 2026.

Filmmakers may access the full application form and mechanics here: https://bit.ly/4yw6zPq. Applicants must be logged in to their Google account to access the forms.

The ten official Panorama Shorts selections will be announced on August 23.

While Panorama Shorts is a non-competition showcase, one selected entry will still receive the Best Panorama Short Film award and a ₱100,000 cash prize during the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Awards Night.

Hayagan-Piedad encouraged filmmakers from across the country to submit their completed works, giving students, emerging storytellers, independent creators, and experienced filmmakers another opportunity to bring their stories to audiences on the big screen.

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