Got a story starring your furry best friend? Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or a fur-parent with a phone—this festival is for YOU!… UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival 2025

 

UNLEASH celebrates the powerful bond between pets and their humans through the magic of film. Recently at the headquarters of Unleash at Royal Plaza Building in Mandaluyong, UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival Media Con & Jury Signing was held.

   The jury members were presented and they are Direk Joseph Abello, Direk Arvin Belarmino and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman, Direk Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes — the iconic multi-awarded filmmaker, screenwriter, and mentor — as the HEAD OF JURY for the UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival 2025!

   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.

   According to Festival Director Mark Sakay, “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.”

     “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, ” says Direk Arvin.

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

For all interested here’s the mechanics and requirements:

🎬🐾 Calling all film buffs and fur parents — something exciting is coming your way this 2025! 👀

Get ready for the “Unleash PAWScars Short Film Festival 2025” (Year 1) — a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and our beloved pets! 🎥✨

Whether you’re behind the camera or just love a good heartwarming pet film, this film festival project is for YOU. Get ready for a film festival that will bark, purr, and move you to your core! 🎞️🐾

MECHANICS HOW TO SUBMIT and REQUIREMENTS:

🎬🐾 Lights, Camera… Paws! Join the UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival 2025! 🐶🐱

Got a story starring your furry best friend? Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or a fur-parent with a phone—this festival is for YOU!

With the theme “Unleash the Love,” we’re calling for short films (10–20 mins) that highlight the heart, chaos, and joy pets bring into our lives.

📌 Key Details:

✅ Open to all Filipinos worldwide

✅ Any genre, any language (just include English subtitles!)

✅ Submission period: May 16 – August 31, 2025

✅ Awards Night: December 14, 2025

🏆 Over P300,000 worth of prizes and a chance to be featured on the UNLEASH app and socials!

🎥 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]

🐶 Got a pet story to tell on screen?

🎥 Submit your short film. Celebrate the magic of fur-midable storytelling.

📲 Don’t forget to download the UNLEASH app at unleash.ph

It has been announced that the Head of Jury is FDCP Chair and multi-awarded scriptwriter and director Joey Javier Reyes, and among the jury members are young, award-winning filmmakers Arvin Belarmino and Joseph Abello.

Let your pet be the star they were born to be! 🌟

Full mechanics and forms, they are available on www.unleash.ph

#UNLEASHPawscars

#ShortFilmFestival2025

#PeoplesBalita