‘Kita Kita’ director’s latest drama part of 1st CinePanalo film fest

Festival director Chris Cahilig (fifth from left) —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“It’s uncommon for a well-known local grocery store to venture into film production,” said filmmaker Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, who admitted to have felt surprised the first time she learned that Puregold was organizing the 1st CinePanalo Film Festival in March.

Bernardo (“Pushcart Tales”) is one of six directors whose full-length films were chosen as finalists. The others, namely Raynier Brizuela for “Boys at the Back,” Joel Ferrer for “Road to Happy,” Carlo Obispo for “A Lab Story,” Kurt Soberano for “Under the Piaya Moon” and Eugene Torres for “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All” also received a cash grant of P2.5 million each.

“However, I am extremely grateful, as are my fellow filmmakers, that more investors are stepping forward to support our local cinema, particularly in these trying times as we recover from the pandemic,” Bernardo told Inquirer Entertainment on Tuesday afternoon.

“CinePanalo provides a much-needed boost to our industry by offering opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their talent and reach a wider audience. This not only encourages creativity and innovation, but also promotes the growth and development of the local film scene. With platforms like CinePanalo, we have the chance to bring back the audience’s interest in watching local films, whether in cinemas or online,” she said. Bernardo’s “Pushcart Tales” is a drama that takes place entirely within the walls of a grocery store. “The story revolves around six individuals, a diverse group of employees and customers, who find themselves unexpectedly trapped due to a severe storm. This confinement becomes a catalyst for personal and emotional exploration, as they confront the challenges and uncertainties of their situation.

Indomitable Filipino spirit

Sigrid Bernardo (center) with “Kita Kita” stars Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez.

“The storm serves as a metaphor in our story, representing conflict, chaos and turmoil that can occur in our lives. It reflects the idea that no matter how hard we try, there are times when our best efforts may not be enough. It raises questions about self-worth and the constant pursuit of being ‘enough.’ Through the characters’ experiences, we delve into the impact of emotions and past experiences,” added Bernardo, who is also the director of the hit dramatic film “Kita Kita.”

According to CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, the goal of the endeavor is “to provide a platform for both well-known and emerging filmmakers, and to showcase narratives—collectively called ‘Kuwentong Panalo’—that can touch the heart and remind us of the indomitable Filipino spirit.”

From hundreds of applicants, 31 were selected as finalists, including 25 student short filmmakers. They were formally presented during a press conference at Artson Events Place in Quezon City on Monday.

“The films that were given grants would naturally appeal to the audience because the main criterion is for them to be uplifting, inspirational and feel-good,” said director Jeffrey Jeturian, who is a member of the selection committee. “Plus, the stories would resonate well with the audience because of one of the criteria, which is that they have to be family-oriented or replete with Filipino values.”

The other members of the selection committee are Cahilig, film critic Tito Valiente, filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad and Republic Creative business unit director Lyle Gonzales.

The 25 short film student directors were granted P100,000 each, Cahilig said. All finalists also received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital, as well as essential groceries from Puregold “to further support them during the production phase,” he said.

The finished Puregold CinePanalo films will be screened at Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to March 17, followed by potential regional screenings. The short film finalists will also be uploaded to Puregold’s official channels on YouTube and TikTok.