𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘄𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮

WHAT if your pet could star in their own film? Well, now they can — or at least, your story with them can.

The 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝘄𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 officially launched on May 27, with a media event that brought together filmmakers, pet lovers, and champions of the animal-human bond. 

This unique festival invites storytellers to showcase short films under the theme “Unleash the Love,” focusing on the real-life magic that animals bring into our lives.

Whether it's about a loyal dog, a clingy cat, or a duck that helped you heal — Pawscars wants your story. At the media launch, the festival introduced its all-star jury lineup: acclaimed indie director Arvin Belarmino, socially conscious filmmaker Joseph Abello, and industry veteran Joey Reyes, who also serves as Head of Jury. 

Festival Director Mark Sakay summed it up best: “Pawscars is more than just a film competition. It’s a celebration of the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives — stories that deserve to be seen and heard by everyone.”

Direk Joey, a pet parent himself, shared, “This isn’t just about filmmaking. This is about connection — the kind only pets can spark.”

Direk Arvin added, “I’ve never directed an animal before, so I’m curious and excited to see new stories that show why we love our pets so much.”

And Direk Joseph pointed out, “Sometimes, this bond with animals is the only thing giving us peace of mind. That’s why stories like these matter.”

The festival is open to all Filipino nationals worldwide, regardless of filmmaking background. No big-budget crew needed — just heart, honesty, and a camera. 

Entries can be in any genre and must be 20 minutes or less (including credits), with English subtitles if in another language.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025 Finalists Announcement: September 15, 2025 Pawscars Night: December 14, 2025 Grand Prize: ₱150,000

(Note: No production grants and travel costs are not covered.)

HOW TO JOIN: 1. Download and fill out the Registration Form [available on unleash.ph] 2. Email it to pawscars@unleash.ph 3. Once confirmed, start filming and submit your final film via Google Drive + Film Submission Report [available on unleash.ph]

And while you're working on your masterpiece, don't forget to download the Unleash app — a full-service digital platform made for Filipino pet parents and their fur babies. So if your pet has changed your life, this is your sign to share that journey. Whether you’re a pro filmmaker or just shooting on your phone, your story deserves the spotlight.

Let your pet be the star they were born to be! Full mechanics and forms, they are available on www.unleash.ph

#UNLEASHPawscars #ShortFilmFestival2025 #UnleashPAWScars2025 #PetLoversUnite  

#UnleashPH