3rd Palm City Film Festival Showcases Youth Storytelling in Tagum City

 

The 3rd Palm City Film Festival (PCFF) concluded successfully on November 22 in Tagum City. It marked another milestone in the city’s growing reputation as a hub for arts and culture.

Running from November 17 to 22, the festival carried the theme “Celebrating Films and Stories in the City of Harmony: A Platform for Peace and Unity.” It brought together student filmmakers from high schools and universities to showcase their creativity and vision through short films and documentaries.

Tagum Tourism, Culture and Arts Council Chairperson Alma L. Uy, in her opening remarks, emphasized the city’s commitment to the arts as a bridge for unity.

“Tagum City has always embraced the arts as a bridge that connects people from all walks of life. Through film, one of the most powerful and universal mediums, we are reminded of our common dreams, struggles, and hopes. This festival stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to cultivating harmony and promoting peace through cultural expression.”

The festival lineup featured 13 competing short films, 5 documentary shorts, and 12 exhibition films. Among the highlights was the Sinag Maynila 2024 Reload Shorts and Documentary Showcase (November 17–19), which offered free screenings at the Herminigildo C. Baluyo, M.D. Hall and Gaisano Mall of Tagum Cinema 2.

Beyond screenings, PCFF hosted talks with filmmaker Zig Dulay and film critic Tito Valiente (November 21), followed by an industry discussion with filmmaker Teng Mangansakan (November 22).

Festival Director Bryan Jimenez underscored PCFF’s mission to empower young storytellers.

“The PCFF is helping shape a new generation of filmmakers from the Davao Region who are socially aware, empathetic, and grounded in the realities of Mindanao. Their stories—rooted in lived experience—become bridges that connect diverse audiences and foster dialogues rooted in compassion and hope," he said. 

The PCFF 2025 Awards Ceremony, held on November 22, 2025, recognized outstanding student filmmakers and local storytellers. Awards were given in the following categories:

• Best Film (Golden Palm Award): Balay Balay by Jun Gilar Saberon
• Grand Jury Prize: Raket by Denesse A. Nagaliza
• Jury Prize: Mik-ap by Justeene Sayson
• Best Documentary: Di Lalim, Di Lalum by Nicole Reyes

• Special Citation for Documentary: Panikad by Abdul Raffy Macasiding
• Best Workshop Film: Between the Shelves by Alexandra Bantilao
• Specialization for Artistic Achievement: Beat by Evzen Freders Conejero
• Gender Justice Award: Huni by Aimee Naomi Ang-ug and Jugi Tabada

• Best Director: Denesse A. Nagaliza (Raket)
• Best Actor: James Kaleb Boco (Raket)
• Best Actress: Sean Mayer Go (Between the Shelves)
• Best Ensemble for Acting: Marsh Sabus, Shawie Caballe, and Michelle Rafael (Mik-ap)

• Best Cinematography: Lance Paul Viduya (Raket)
• Best Editing: Ken Magpusao and John Patrick Alfuerto (Mik-ap)
• Jury Prize for Editing: Carylle Franchesca Nicolas (Di Lalim, Di Lalum)
• Best Production Design: Karl Louie Calibadan (Tinubdan)
• Best Screenplay: Jun Gilar Saberon (Balay Balay)
• Best Sound: Cheenee Fonda and Dianne Melody Talictic (Huni)

PCFF was organized by the City Government of Tagum in partnership with the Tagum City Tourism, Arts, and Culture Council, Inc. The showcase was presented by Solar Entertainment Corporation, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, and the Tagum City Youth Development Office.

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