In collaboration with IM Rentals, a supplier of professional filmmaking equipment, the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will give all participating student filmmakers P100,000 in workshops, studio space, and equipment rentals.
Sol Galang, president and CEO of IMx Innovations Inc. (IM Rentals/IM Creative Space), stated, “IM is gratified to partner with Puregold CinePanalo in celebrating creativity, empowering storytellers, and amplifying the diverse voices of Philippine cinema.”
“The partnership is a shared commitment to building a thriving creative community where every filmmaker has chance to be heard and seen.”
Sol Galang, president and CEO of IMx Innovations Inc., emphasized the company’s dedication to nurturing new talent in the industry.
IM Rentals and IM Creative Space provide access to high-end production equipment, camera systems, lenses, lighting kits, and post-production facilities—resources that are typically costly and difficult for students to secure.
Galang added that the collaboration aims to break barriers in the independent filmmaking scene by giving young storytellers access to industry-level tools used by professional productions.
The 2026 edition of CinePanalo will feature categories for student shorts, community-driven narratives, and emerging director showcases. Festival organizers say that the added production support will not only improve the quality of student films but also encourage more schools and independent creators to participate.
Puregold Vice President for Marketing Vincent Co previously highlighted the importance of supporting grassroots filmmakers, noting that many of today’s acclaimed directors—such as Lav Diaz, Antoinette Jadaone, and Kip Oebanda—began with low-budget films and student projects.
“Investing in the next generation ensures that Filipino cinema continues to grow in both depth and diversity,” Co said in an earlier statement.
The support from IM Rentals is expected to elevate the overall caliber of festival entries, giving students not just equipment but also mentorship sessions, technical training, and hands-on workshops with industry professionals.
The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is scheduled to take place in early 2026, with screening venues to be announced later this year. Submission guidelines and application dates will be released soon on the festival’s official platforms.
