Veteran actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde said she was proud to represent the Philippines on the international stage as she walked the red carpet at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea, where three films co-produced by Nathan Studios received screenings.
Sanchez-Atayde, co-founder of Nathan Studios Inc., and Filipino actress Nour Hooshmand joined the festival to promote Ria, Nagi Notes, and Filipiñana, showcasing Filipino creative talent before an international audience at the Busan Cinema Center.
The festival features films and industry participants from around the world, with this year’s program recognizing 316 films, including 247 official selections and 69 community BIFF titles, alongside the Asian Contents & Film Market.
“İt’s time to level up and conquer the international film market. So proud to be a Filipino when films that Nathan Studios and I are a part of were recognized and shown at the global stage especially here at the Busan Film Festival where thousand of people around the world have seen,” Sanchez-Atayde said.
“I am so happy and flattered. We really worked hard for it.”
Among the three productions, Ria, directed by Arvin Belarmino and co-produced by Nathan Studios, is making its world premiere in Busan under the festival’s Vision Asia competition. The 95-minute Philippines-Netherlands-Norway-Saudi Arabia-Japan co-production explores urbanization, poverty, displacement, music, and human rights against the backdrop of a Manila community facing demolition.
“I think our beloved countrymen will truly appreciate this one,” Sanchez-Atayde said, in reference to ‘Ria’ which has been chosen for the festival’s Vision Asia competition. “We are very thankful to all who support us and for those who truly believe.”
“I hope our kababayans will also support the film. So grateful to our Korean counterpart who really considered us to be part in this festival,” added Sanchez-Atayde, who cited the challenging work of Belarmino.
Sanchez-Atayde, who is also a producer at Nathan Studios, appears in Ria as Olga, a matriarch suffering from diabetes who lives in a Manila neighborhood repeatedly threatened with demolition. Nour Hooshmand plays Ria, a young musician who helps lead efforts to protect the community.
The film stars Iana Bernardez, Veronica Reyes, Anastasia Bartolome, Kevin Regalado, Soliman Cruz, Paolo O’Hara, RS Magtaan, and Andre Miguel, among others.
Ria has four BIFF screenings scheduled: it began on October 10 at Busan Cinema Center 2, followed by screenings on October 12 at CGV Centum 4, October 13 at CGV Centum 1, and October 14 at Busan Community Media Center.
The other Nathan Studios productions reflect the company’s international partnerships. Nagi Notes, directed by Japanese filmmaker Koji Fukada, is a Philippine production partnership with a Japanese-led film. Filipiñana, directed by Rafael Manuel, is also co-produced by Nathan Studios.
Nagi Notes began its BIFF run on October 7 at Lotte Cinema Centum City 5, followed by a screening on October 8 at Busan Cinema Center 2. It is scheduled for another screening this Wednesday at 1:20pm at KOFIC Theater.
Filipiñana is scheduled to screen through October 14, with a 5:00 p.m. showing at the Busan Community Media Center Open Hall.
For Sanchez-Atayde and Hooshmand, the Busan appearance offered more than a red-carpet moment. It placed Filipino filmmakers and performers within one of Asia’s major film gatherings, where Philippine productions are seeking wider audiences and international recognition.
Sanchez-Atayde attended in a black dress and cape, while Hooshmand wore a strapless orange dress. The festival runs until October 16.
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