DAVAO — The 2026 Palm City Film Festival is officially accepting entries, inviting storytellers from across Mindanao to submit their short fiction and documentary films. The festival runs from December 2 to 4, 2026, at the Herminigildo C. Baluyo Hall in Tagum City.
A Platform for Mindanaoan Cinema
Organizers are calling on high school students, college creatives, and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival aims to recognize and empower filmmaking talent throughout Mindanao, focusing exclusively on regional storytellers. This commitment ensures that authentic Mindanaoan voices take center stage.
Two categories are open for submission. The Student Category welcomes SPA Media Arts students, interested secondary school students, and students enrolled in any college or university in Mindanao. The Open Category is for emerging filmmakers from Mindanao with a portfolio of completed short films.
Submission Guidelines and Requirements
Entries must not exceed 20 minutes, including credits, and must be completed after August 2025. English subtitles must be hardcoded into the film. The use of unlicensed copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. Works in progress are not eligible, and multiple entries may be submitted.
All submissions must be emailed to [email protected] by October 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM. A complete package must include a duly accomplished entry form, a film synopsis of 70 words or fewer, the film entry in MP4 or Apple ProRes format, a trailer, a poster sized 2 ft. x 3 ft., four behind-the-scenes photos, a director's profile, and a 5" x 7" portrait photo.
Student entries must also include a photocopy of a valid school ID and Certificate of Enrollment. Failure to follow instructions will result in disqualification. Incomplete entry forms will not be considered.
Selection Process and Festival Screening
A panel of selection committee members will evaluate all submitted entries. The festival committee will notify selected filmmakers via email prior to the official announcement on the festival's Facebook page. Entries not included in the official selection were not chosen.
Once submitted, entries cannot be withdrawn and become part of the festival's film archive. If a selected film is withdrawn, the festival will respect the request, but materials cannot be returned. The film will be removed from official programming.
Frequently Asked Questions for Filmmakers
The festival will not grant deadline extensions except in rare, exceptional cases with valid reasons. Requests must be made well before the deadline. Confirmation emails will be sent once submissions are successfully registered. The festival accepts films screened at other festivals if completed after August 2025.
Filmmakers retain ownership of their work. However, selected films grant the festival permission to use publicity materials for promotional purposes, including digital platforms and external media outlets. Loglines and synopses may be edited at the festival's discretion.
Why This Matters for Regional Cinema
The Palm City Film Festival provides a rare opportunity for Mindanaoan filmmakers to connect, learn, and celebrate regional cinema. It strengthens the creative economy by giving emerging talents a professional platform. For Tagum City, hosting the festival reinforces its growing reputation as a cultural hub in Davao del Norte.
Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to read the full guidelines before submitting. The deadline is firm, and compliance is essential. This is the moment for Mindanaoan storytellers to shine.
