In just a year, we saw the world slow down in a sudden, frightening way. Despite the challenging realities and seemingly slow progress to ‘normalcy’, little sparks of hope somehow manage to keep humanity on its feet. Our progress, no matter how slow and unnoticeable, contributes greatly to a mutual purpose. After all, great journeys begin with small steps.
These small actions serve as inspiration for this year’s Nespresso Talents. For its sixth edition, the annual film competition is inviting filmmakers to highlight the efforts taken to tackle the challenges our world is currently facing through the theme Doing is Everything.

Nespresso Talents 2021 is now open for entries on https://www.nespresso.com/talents/ph/en/contest. Each participant can only submit one entry. Submissions should be in vertical format (9:16), with the film duration between 2 minutes (min) to 3 minutes (max).
All genres are welcome (e.g. comedy, drama, educational, etc.) in the form of fiction, documentary, or animation.
Submissions will close on May 16th. The shortlisted films for both international and local categories will be presented on the website by mid-June followed by the awarding ceremonies in July.
The local category will award three winners. The 1st Selected Talent will take home a cash prize of 1,500€, the 2nd Selected Talent will get 1,000€, and the 3rd Selected Talent will get 500€. All three winners will also receive a Nespresso machine along with complimentary capsules on top of a well-deserved trophy. The finalists from the local (Nespresso Talents Philippines) category will automatically qualify for the International Nespresso Talents entries.
This year’s local jury consists of Jose Javier Reyes, an award-winning director, screenwriter, and author (and a returning juror from the previous year); Quark Henares, a multi-awarded filmmaker; and Bela Padilla, renowned actress, producer, director, screenwriter, and author; Fabio De Gregorio, Nespresso Asia Regional Business Head; and Patrick Pesengco, Novateur Coffee Concepts Managing Director.


Aside from the competition, a 2-day vertical filmmaking workshop was held in partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU) and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Over 400 film students, hobbyists, and professional filmmakers from all over the Philippines participated. The topic Creative Visualization was discussed by director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno; screenwriter and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde Film Department scriptwriting professor Wanggo Gallaga shared tips on effective Storytelling.
“Nespresso is more than just good coffee—it’s an advocacy to impact the world positively through our platforms. Film is yet another channel to further our commitment to sustainability,” shares Fabio De Gregorio, Nespresso Asia Regional Business Head.
“For over 30 years, Nespresso has been building a holistic business model that preserves exceptional coffee, supports coffee agriculture, and ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers. This same narrative of helping others is what we want to get across through Nespresso Talents. Essentially, we are spreading awareness about the ripple effect of our actions and our innate responsibility towards nature and people,” says Patrick Pesengco, Novateur Coffee Concepts Managing Director.
In keeping with the company’s sustainability efforts, Nespresso will make up for the carbon footprint of Nespresso Talents. In collaboration with long-time partner PUR Projet, each filmmaker taking part in the contest will automatically have five (5) trees planted in his/her name to support the social business’ agroforestry projects. These trees will contribute to a large-scale initiative in partnership with PUR Projet transitioning coffee smallholders into organic coffee production through agroforestry, bringing to life the Doing is Everything movement.
The five previous editions of Nespresso Talents have received over 2,000 applications from 50 countries. Just last 2020, more than 740 videos were submitted from 48 different countries. With such massive recognition, it’s time to make your mark and test your creativity on a whole new level. Submit your entry before May 16 at https://www.nespresso.com/talents/ph/en/contest.
In the Philippines, Nespresso Talents 2021 is in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Edukasyon.ph.