The opportunity to experience original Filipino narratives in theaters is becoming increasingly rare, with only a handful of producers and investors willing to take a chance on homegrown productions.

It is therefore encouraging to see festivals like Puregold’s CinePanalo working to bring Filipino films to wider audiences. This year, the festival will screen seven full-length films and 20 student-made shorts at select Ayala Malls Cinemas across Metro Manila, including Market! Market! in Taguig, TriNoma and Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig, Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque, and Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

For a festival built around Filipino stories and emerging filmmakers, the expanded theatrical presence is particularly significant. It gives filmmakers more opportunities to connect with audiences while allowing viewers to discover stories and perspectives that may otherwise have limited space in commercial theaters.

“Partnering with Ayala Malls helps bring the 2026 CinePanalo to as many Filipinos as possible,” said Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “As the festival continues to grow, we truly value partnerships like this that stand by the cause of unleashing Filipino cinema’s untapped potential.”

Ayala Malls’ Head of Ancillary Business Yvette Roldan said the festival’s focus on Filipino audiences and filmmakers was among the reasons for the partnership.

“CinePanalo’s advocacy greatly aligns with Ayala Malls’ vision and values,” Roldan said, citing the festival’s focus on stories that reflect Filipino lives and experiences.

Now in its third edition, CinePanalo continues to create opportunities for Filipino films to reach audiences, bringing homegrown stories to more viewers and giving them the chance to experience these narratives where they belong: on the big screen.