Filipino actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde joined fellow actress Nour Hooshmand at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea, where three films co-produced by Nathan Studios were screened as part of the festival’s program.
The films — “Ria,” “Nagi Notes” and “Filipiñana” — were presented at the festival, which runs until Oct. 16 and features films from around the world.
Sanchez-Atayde said she was proud to see the projects she was involved in reach an international audience.
“It’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 thousands of people around the world have seen,” she said.
Among the three films, “Ria,” directed by Arvin Belarmino, was selected for BIFF’s Vision Asia competition. The 95-minute Philippines-Netherlands-Norway-Saudi Arabia-Japan co-production explores urbanization, poverty, displacement, music and human rights.
“I hope our countrymen will also support the film. So grateful to our Korean counterpart who really considered us to be part in this festival,” she added, acknowledging the work of filmmaker Belarmino.
Sanchez-Atayde also appears in “Ria” as Olga, a matriarch with diabetes who lives in a Manila community threatened by demolition. Hooshmand plays Ria, a young musician who fights to protect her community from displacement.
“Ria” made its world premiere at BIFF under the Vision Asia section. Its screenings began on Oct. 10 at Busan Cinema Center 2. Its final scheduled screening is on Oct. 14 at Busan Community Media Center.
The other two films represent different international collaborations. “Nagi Notes,” directed by Koji Fukada, was co-produced by Nathan Studios in partnership with a Japanese-led production. “Filipiñana,” directed by Rafael Manuel, was also co-produced by the Philippine studio.
Sanchez-Atayde and Hooshmand attended the festival’s red-carpet event, with Sanchez-Atayde wearing a black dress and cape and Hooshmand in a strapless orange dress.
BIFF’s program this year includes 316 films, comprising 247 official selections and 69 Community BIFF titles, alongside the Asian Contents & Film Market. The festival runs through Oct. 16.