Student filmmakers who will win this upcoming edition of Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival can now look forward to more than just cash prizes.
In a new partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), winners of the Festival’s Student Shorts category will receive full scholarships, tuition discounts, and access to specialized courses on top of the Festival’s P200,000 creative grant per short film.
Entering its third year, the Puregold CinePanalo has become a notable platform for emerging filmmakers in the Philippines, offering financial support and professional exposure to students and aspiring creators.
Under the new collaboration, APFI will award three full scholarships to the Student Shorts winners in the major award categories: Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director. Winners may also receive 100% scholarships for select subjects, including Advanced Cinematography, Production Design, Scriptwriting, Acting, Editing, and Sound Design.
Beyond the winners, APFI will provide a 10% tuition discount for selected subjects to all students, crew, and members of films participating in both the Student Shorts and Full-Length categories. The institute will also host Career Talks during the Festival to guide young filmmakers in translating their creative work into sustainable careers in film and media.
“The participants of Puregold CinePanalo have already proven themselves as talented storytellers with the potential to succeed,” Russel Frederick Oledan, general manager of APFI said.
“Asia Pacific Film Institute is thus honored to support their journey by providing the mentorship, training, and platform to refine their craft.”
Oledan added that the partnership reflects APFI’s goal of nurturing the next generation of Philippine filmmakers. “It is a dream we share with the folks at Puregold,” he said.
Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold senior marketing manager, said the collaboration underscores the Festival’s continued commitment to uplifting local cinema.
“CinePanalo just keeps growing. We’re seeing even more institutions rally behind the cause. Partners like the Asia Pacific Film Institute remind us that uplifting Philippine cinema is a shared mission, one that starts by investing in the next generation of storytellers,” she said.
This 2026 festival will be held at Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, featuring seven full-length films and 20 student shorts.
Previous CinePanalo alumni have gone on to receive awards both locally and internationally, highlighting the festival’s role in supporting emerging talent.
READ: Rundown: 7 films announced as official entries for Puregold CinePanalo 2026
