International Collaboration Boosts Philippine Film Industry Presence

International Collaboration Sparks Hope for Philippine Cinema

The Philippine film industry is gaining momentum on the global stage through international collaboration, a strategy that has proven promising over the past three years. Nathan Studios, a leading Filipino production company, recently co-produced the Japanese art film “Renoir,” which was featured at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This achievement highlights the growing opportunities for Filipino film producers to enter the global market.

“Renoir” represents a multinational partnership between Japan’s Happinet Studios, France’s Ici et Là Productions, Singapore’s Akanga Film Asia, Indonesia’s Kawan Kawan Media, and the Philippines’ Daluyong Studio alongside Nathan Studios. International sales are managed by Goodfellas. Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, CEO of Nathan Studios, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on such a significant project, emphasizing how it has opened doors to international partnerships and expanded their reach.

“This international collaboration creates a massive positive impact on the Filipino film industry; it also gives a lot of hope to Filipino film producers to go to the global market, especially here in Cannes,” Sanchez-Atayde said. She added, “Malaking impact ito, the mere fact na three years pa lang kami nagpupunta sa Cannes as a producer, isa na kami sa naka pag partnership sa international productions at nakapag-red carpet muli dito sa Cannes. I am hoping for more Filipino film producers to enter the global stage whether it is solo or collaboration with other foreign producers.”

Filipino Films Shine at Cannes

Nathan Studios has already made a mark at Cannes with earlier films such as the psychological thriller “Cattleya Killer” in 2022 and the action movie “Topakk” in 2023. Both films starred veteran actor and Quezon City First District re-elected Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde. These screenings attracted international attention from film buyers, enthusiasts, and distributors over the past three years.

Sanchez-Atayde, who recently celebrated her birthday in Europe, shared her excitement about “Renoir” being part of the main competition at Cannes. “I’m still in disbelief and absolutely ecstatic that Renoir (directed by Chie Hayakawa and co-produced with Eiko Mizuno Gray, Jason Gray, Christophe Bruncher, Yulia Evina Bhara, and Alemberg Ang) was selected as part of the 2025 Cannes competition slate,” she said.

“When we were starting out with Nathan Studios, this was only something we dreamt of and aimed for—and now, it is finally here. All the hard work, determination, belief, and prayers have borne fruit!”

About “Renoir”: A Multinational Artistic Endeavor

“Renoir” is a coming-of-age drama that explores the story of Fuki, an 11-year-old girl coping with her father’s terminal illness and her mother’s emotional stress. The film depicts Fuki’s fascination with telepathy and her escape into an imaginative world. Directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Chie Hayakawa, known for “Plan 75,” the movie brings together talent from Japan, France, Qatar, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The film premiered on the Cannes red carpet on May 17 and is set for release in Japan on June 20. It stars newcomer Yui Suzuki as Fuki, alongside Hikari Ishida and Lily Franky.

Critical Acclaim and Reviews

Critics have praised “Renoir” for its emotional depth and artistic expression. Reviews describe it as a delicate yet compelling portrayal of a young girl’s summer marked by life and loss. One prominent film reviewer noted that while the story may seem scattered at times, the film’s beauty and strong performances remain undeniable.

Another critic highlighted how the film serves as an impressionistic journey through growing up in 1980s Japan, with the narrative’s brushstrokes echoing the painter referenced in the title. Furthermore, the lead actress’s performance received special mention for conveying innocence and curiosity with a penetrating gaze that invites viewers to deeply connect with her character.

Looking Forward: Expanding Filipino Film Horizons

The success of “Renoir” and Nathan Studios’ growing international presence signal a bright future for Filipino filmmakers seeking global recognition. Through collaborations like this, Filipino producers are gaining confidence and inspiration to showcase their stories on world platforms.

As Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde hopes, more Filipino film producers will step forward to present their work globally, whether independently or through partnerships. This momentum not only enriches the Philippine film industry but also strengthens cultural exchange and artistic innovation worldwide.

For more news and updates on international collaboration in film, visit Filipinokami.com.