The Philippines’ love for animals finds a new stage at the recently launched UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival 2025, a celebration blending storytelling with cinematic creativity centered on the special bond between pets and humans. Held at the Royal Plaza Building in Mandaluyong, the event’s media conference and jury signing marked the start of a unique initiative that hopes to spotlight the unbreakable ties we share with our furry, feathered, and scaled friends.
At the heart of this festival is a distinguished panel of jurors led by none other than Director Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, a respected figure in Philippine cinema with a career spanning over 40 films and numerous awards. As chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), his presence as Head of Jury lends both prestige and a deep sense of purpose to the event. Joining him are rising filmmakers Arvin Belarmino and Joseph Abello, each bringing fresh, indie perspectives that promise to push boundaries and evoke authentic stories.
Festival Director Mark Sakay captured the essence of Pawscars succinctly. He said, “It’s 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.” This message is important for a community that values their animals not just as pets, but as family members and sources of comfort.
Direk Joey, himself a pet parent, shared that this festival is about “connection — the kind only pets can spark,” emphasizing that these films are portals into the raw, emotional worlds of pet-owner relationships. Meanwhile, Direk Arvin expressed curiosity and excitement for the creative possibilities, noting that he has yet to direct an animal but is eager to explore new narratives. Direk Joseph reflected on the therapeutic role of animals in turbulent times, highlighting how stories like these can foster understanding and empathy among audiences.
The festival invites all Filipinos—from seasoned filmmakers to pet owners with smartphones—to submit short films under the theme “Unleash the Love.” Films should run between 10 and 20 minutes and be able to showcase the chaos, humor, and heartfelt moments pets bring into everyday life. With a submission window from May 16 to August 31, 2025, the competition not only aims to generate engaging stories but also to foster a sense of community and shared experience among pet lovers nationwide.
Prizes totaling over ₱300,000 await winners, along with opportunities to be featured on the UNLEASH app and official social media channels. The awards night is scheduled for December 14, 2025, where selected works will be showcased, and top contenders honored. Additionally, the grand prize includes a cash award of ₱150,000.
Interested participants are encouraged to visit unleash.ph for detailed mechanics and registration forms. The festival is inviting stories of all genres—comedy, drama, documentary, animation—and all languages, provided they include English subtitles. The goal is to tap into diverse narratives that highlight the profound impact of pets in our lives.
The films have the power to capture love, laughter, and life-changing moments with our pets. With iconic filmmakers, passionate pet owners, and a theme that celebrates “Unleash the Love,” this festival promises to be a convergence of creativity and compassion.
In a time when many find solace in the companionship of animals, the Pawscars Festival stands as a validation to their importance—worthy of our stories, our screens, and our hearts.
