Vlad Bunoan

CinePanalo, FDCP collab to open global opportunities for filmmakers

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

Now in its third year, the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has taken a major step forward by partnering with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), opening doors to greater visibility, international screenings, and new ways to connect with audiences worldwide. With the support of the FDCP&#x27;s programs and resources and Puregold CinePanalo&#x27;s long-standing concept of &quot;Panalo sa Husay,&quot; the festival continues to present outstanding Filipino stories while assisting filmmakers in broadening their audience both locally and internationally. Through the FDCP’s Special Partnership Program (SPP), filmmakers participating in Puregold CinePanalo 2026 can take advantage of concrete avenues for professional growth and exposure. Opportunities include screenings at FDCP Cinematheque Centres, visibility on JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel, and potential inclusion in FDCP international mission delegations, connecting their work to wider audiences and global industry networks.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768972389969image1.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Puregold CinePanalo’s Ivy Piedad and Chris Cahilig </div>Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad emphasized the value of creating space where local creatives can grow. “This festival is about giving our very own filmmakers a platform where their creative abilities can be fully recognized,” she said.“Puregold CinePanalo offers filmmakers the chance to gain exposure, reach audiences internationally, and hone their skills. We&#x27;re particularly excited about the fresh perspectives and heart that this year&#x27;s entries will offer, as well as our collaboration with the FDCP, which opens up even more chances for development and recognition,” she added.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768972400748image0.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>FDCP chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes </div>FDCP chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes also highlighted the film festival’s growing role in shaping the future of the Philippine film landscape. “Even though it has just been on for a number of years, right now, CinePanalo has proven itself to be an important venue for the development of the voice of Philippine cinema,” Reyes said. “It is in CinePanalo that we are able to discover the next generation of Filipino filmmakers.” This collaboration between the CinePanalo Film Festival and FDCP provides concrete assistance to filmmakers seeking to expand their visibility and earn recognition in the industry. Participants can share their work with new audiences, engage with professional networks, and further develop their craft by utilizing FDCP-supported channels, curated screenings, and international programs. These efforts enable CinePanalo to continue supporting great filmmakers and promoting Filipino cinema around the world. The upcoming Puregold CinePanalo 2026 will take place at Gateway Cineplex 18 and several Ayala Cinemas in Metro Manila, with seven full-length films and 20 student short films. This program aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Filipino creativity via original “panalo sa husay” stories. It also provides a platform for filmmakers to be recognized on national and international platforms.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has taken a major step forward by partnering with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, opening doors to greater visibility, international screenings, and new ways to connect with audiences worldwide.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has taken a major step forward by partnering with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, opening doors to greater visibility, international screenings, and new ways to connect with audiences worldwide.