Long lines, packed lobbies, and sold-out cinemas are greeting moviegoers at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, as its biggest edition yet opens to a strong first-week turnout.
Crowds have been pouring into participating cinemas to catch the latest batch of original Filipino films produced for Puregold CinePanalo, with multiple screenings selling out within the festival’s first few days.
And at a time when the state of Philippine cinema has been the subject of intense discussion, the sight of audiences lining up for locally made films is sending a clear message: Filipino moviegoers are still willing to show up for Filipino stories.
“This year, Pinoy cinema has been the subject of much debate and discourse,” said Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig. “However, the success of our first day of screenings makes things incredibly clear: there remains a strong appetite for Filipino stories told by Filipino voices. Puregold CinePanalo has always been proud to uplift the stories of our local artists.”
The excitement was already visible even before the first film rolled.
Long lines were reported at cinemas a full day before screenings began, as fans headed to their cinemas of choice to secure tickets in advance. Cinephiles also rushed to Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma to claim festival passes giving them access to the lineup of full-length films and student short-film sets.
By opening day, several screenings were already sold out.
Among the films drawing packed houses were coming-of-age story “Apol of My Ai”; supernatural queer films “Patay Gutom” and “Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ’Yo)”; and romantic comedy “Stuck on You,” which puts a deadly twist on the genre.
The rush has spilled onto social media, where moviegoers have begun posting updates about sold-out screenings to help fellow festivalgoers plan ahead and find available schedules.
And the demand is not slowing down.
Multiple screenings for the coming weekend have already sold out, with seats for all seven Puregold CinePanalo full-length films particularly in demand during late-afternoon and evening schedules.
Beyond the movies themselves, festivalgoers have also been walking away with souvenirs and giveaways, including grocery bags, custom totes, pins and personalized souvenir receipts.
“Puregold CinePanalo is our treat to both artists and fans of cinema,” said Cahilig. “While we continue to uplift the stories of local filmmakers, we also strive to create memorable experiences for those who come to support these films. Attendees will leave with great stories in their hearts and minds, along with giveaways to serve as mementos of the experience.”
All seven full-length films and 19 original student shorts of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will screen until October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while discounted tickets cost ₱200. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Puregold Perks cardholders qualify for the discounted rate.
A ₱2,000 festival pass is also available for moviegoers who want to take on the festival lineup. Festival passes may be purchased only at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma but can be used across participating festival venues.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack ’N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins and Zonrox.
