Mowelfund, CinePanalo Film Festival champion local movie industry

Puregold CinePanalo partners with Mowelfund Inc. in supporting the local film industry, filmmakers and movie workers. (From left, standing) Joey Roa, Mowelfund vice president and chief operating officer Julius Topacio, and Mowelfund Film Institute director Manrique Orellana Jr.; (from left, seated) Res Cortez, Maria Elisa ‘Boots’ Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival director Chris Cahilig and Jim Baltazar of CIMB Films. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PUREGOLD CINEPANALO

Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (Mowelfund) and Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival are championing the local film industry with a partnership to highlight the young and emerging filmmakers and narratives highlighting Filipino life and culture.

Founded in 1974, Mowelfund is a non-stock, non-profit foundation that focuses on social welfare, education and industry development, with a dedicated mission to support the diligent professionals within the Philippine movie landscape.

Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, chair of Mowelfund, shares her gratitude to the partnership. “Thank you, Puregold, for CinePanalo. [Through this initiative], Puregold offers assistance to filmmakers [in featuring] films that delve into wholesome family themes that define everyday Filipino slice of life.”

The multi-awarded movie and television personality says this is a “win-win” for both Mowelfund and Puregold. “Panalo ang Puregold for instilling family values through the potent medium of film. Panalo ang Mowelfund Film Institute for offering logistics to young and enterprising filmmakers. Panalo ang aspiring film students and enthusiasts [because] CinePanalo helps them bring to life their dream projects through the magic of film,” says Roa-Rodrigo.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival recently unveiled its list of grant recipients — six directors for the full-length films and 25 student filmmakers for the short films — carefully selected from over 200 pitches nationwide. Slated for a grand debut at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Araneta City, from 15 to 17 March, the festival’s selections embody the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” weaving stories of kinship, perseverance and the Filipino spirit.

In a gesture of gratitude, Mowelfund acknowledges Puregold’s support for their 50th anniversary medical and dental mission, where grocery gift bags will be bestowed upon the deserving members of the film community.

As the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival approaches its zenith, Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad articulates, “With heartfelt appreciation, we recognize Mowelfund and all our partners for their integral role in not just showcasing these inspiring Filipino narratives but also in fortifying our collective contribution to the flourishing Philippine movie industry.”