The CinePanalo Film Festival is set to make a big splash in the local indie film scene, running
from March 14 to 25 at Gateway Cineplex 18. Building on the success of its inaugural year,
the second edition promises to be even bigger, showcasing an exciting blend of films,
including eight full-length features and 24 student short films. The festival is also making
waves with a star-studded cast and an impressive lineup of films that will appeal to both
seasoned cinephiles and newer audiences.
Among the standout full-length films are Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea, a
documentary by Sunday Beauty Queen director Baby Ruth Villarama, and Olsen’s Day, a
magic realism film from JP Habac. Also featured is Journeyman, a gritty boxing drama
directed by Christian Paolo Lat, as well as Tigkiliwi, a Hiligaynon-language film directed by
Tara Illenberger. Salum by TM Malones and Sepak Takraw by Mes de Guzman complete the
list of intriguing narratives that highlight both fresh talent and seasoned filmmakers.
The festival also includes two mainstream films, Co-Love and Fleeting, providing a mix of
indie and commercial appeal. These films aim to engage a younger demographic with stories
that range from romantic comedies to heartfelt dramas. The decision to include commercial
films was intentional, seeking to broaden the festival’s audience and introduce new voices to
the indie film world.
This year, CinePanalo is taking everything to the next level with improved resources, including
increased budgets and extended submission periods for filmmakers. Grants for full-length
films have increased from ₱2.5M to ₱3M, and student grants have gone up from ₱100,000 to
₱150,000. Filmmakers will also have access to high-quality equipment, provided free of
charge by CMB Film Services, offering endless creative possibilities and elevating the overall
quality of the films.
One of the most exciting elements of the festival is its student shorts competition, which
features 24 finalists from 13 schools across the Philippines. This initiative highlights the
festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and providing students with the resources
and exposure needed to grow as filmmakers. With generous support from MFP Rentals and
the focus on student filmmakers, CinePanalo continues to shape the future of Filipino cinema.
