Philippine cinema has taken another leap onto the global stage as Nathan Studios showcases three international co-productions at the 2026 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea.
Leading the studio’s lineup was actress-producer Sylvia Sanchez, who walked the opening night red carpet for Ria, directed by Arvin Belarmino and selected for the Vision Asia Competition – Discovery section.
Sylvia, who stars in the film and serves as a co-producer through Nathan Studios, was joined by cast members Nour Hooshmand and Kevin Regalado, alongside cinematographer Jellen Geviane De Vera.
Ria centers on a young folk-punk woman who unites with her foster mother and local punk community to protect their home from destruction by a cold-hearted developer.
Expanding the studio’s festival run are two additional co-productions: Japan’s Nagi Notes, featured in the Icons category, and the Philippine feature Filipiñana, included in A Window on Asian Cinema. Both titles were presented through special festival screenings.
With three projects featured at one of Asia’s premier film gatherings, Nathan Studios builds on its momentum by backing distinct, grounded stories from Filipino and regional directors.
For Sylvia and Nathan Studios, this year’s BIFF marks another step forward in bringing local and regional cinema to wider audiences across the globe.