MANILA, Philippines – The Puregold CinePanalo film festival, set for its 2025 edition, has marked a significant milestone by releasing the official trailers for its diverse lineup of entries and simultaneously announcing ticket prices for the upcoming screenings.
This development signals a crucial step forward for the festival, which aims to champion Filipino cinematic talent by providing a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. The 2025 festival slate is particularly robust, featuring 8 original full-length films alongside an impressive collection of twenty-five student shorts.
All selected films are scheduled to be screened at Gateway Cineplex 18, a prominent cinema complex located in Cubao, Quezon City. The festival is set to run for nearly two weeks, commencing on March 14 and concluding on March 25.
A Closer Look at the Feature Films
The eight full-length films represent a variety of genres and narratives, promising a rich viewing experience for festival-goers. Among the anticipated entries are productions from notable industry figures and emerging voices. The trailers released offer the public a first glimpse into the thematic depth and visual styles of these films.
One prominent feature is “Fleeting,” which stars acclaimed actors Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing. Produced under the banners of WAF Studios and Mentorque Productions, the film is directed by Catsi Catalan. The combination of known talent and seasoned production houses suggests a potentially compelling drama.
Also headlining the lineup is “Olsen’s Day,” directed by JP Habac, known for his work that often resonates with contemporary Filipino audiences. Christian Paolo Lat brings “Journeyman” to the screen, a film title that hints at a narrative centered around a journey or quest, literal or metaphorical.
Veteran filmmaker Mes de Guzman contributes “Sepak Takraw,” likely referencing the Southeast Asian sport, suggesting a potential exploration of culture, competition, or community through this unique lens. Jill Singson Urdaneta directs “Co-Love,” a title that piques interest regarding themes of collaboration, relationships, or modern connections.
TM Malones presents “Salum,” a film whose title may evoke imagery of diving or submersion, perhaps alluding to a deep dive into a subject matter or character psyche. Tara Illenberger directs “Tigkiliwi,” a title that could draw from regional languages or cultural references, pointing towards a story rooted in specific Philippine contexts.
Further details about the remaining two full-length features, while not explicitly detailed in the initial announcement regarding casts or specific production teams, round out the complement of eight films competing in this category, promising a wide spectrum of stories from different perspectives.
Showcasing Student Talent and Shortlisted Directors
Beyond the feature films, the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 festival underscores its commitment to nurturing future talent by including twenty-five student shorts in its program. This provides an invaluable opportunity for emerging student filmmakers to showcase their work on a significant platform and reach a broader audience. The inclusion of a large number of shorts highlights the festival’s role as a launchpad for the next generation of Filipino storytellers.
The announcement also acknowledged other shortlisted directors who are part of the festival’s broader selection process or contributing in various capacities. This list includes the internationally recognized documentarian Baby Ruth Villarama, known for powerful films like “Sunday Beauty Queen.” Also named are Julius Alfonso and Rod Marmol, directors with their own distinct styles and contributions to the Philippine film landscape.
Accessibility and Anticipation
The announcement of ticket prices, coinciding with the trailer releases, is a practical step aimed at making the festival accessible to the public. While the specific pricing structure was not detailed in the summary, its announcement allows interested moviegoers to plan their attendance and budget accordingly for the screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18. This transparency is crucial for building audience anticipation and ensuring a strong turnout for the cinematic showcase.
The release of the trailers has already begun circulating among film enthusiasts and the general public, generating buzz for the March 14-25 event. The diverse themes and directorial voices represented in the full-length features and the sheer volume of student shorts point towards a vibrant and engaging festival program.
As the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 festival dates approach, the focus will shift from previews to premieres, bringing these original Filipino stories to life on the big screen in Cubao, Quezon City, reinforcing the festival’s position as a key event in the Philippine film calendar.


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