Philippine cinema and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde scored a major win as “Ria,” the debut feature from director Arvin Belarmino, was selected for its world premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, running from October 6 to 15.
The gritty punk drama will compete in BIFF’s Vision-Asia section, a key showcase for groundbreaking independent works by emerging Asian filmmakers.
The selection carries distinct pride for the Benildean community, as the key creative leads, Belarmino and producer Alemberg Ang, are active faculty members within the college’s film program. Their achievement highlights the institution’s ongoing role in fostering globally recognized cinematic visionaries while bridging top-tier industry practice with academic mentorship.
The film stars Nour Hooshmand as Ria, an orphaned folk-punk artist living within Tarima, a tight-knit Manila punk commune facing impending demolition and systemic corruption. To fund medical treatments for the community’s diabetic matriarch, Olga (played by Sylvia Sanchez), Ria balances her music with a job as a hotel housekeeper.
Rooted in grounded realism and sharp political commentary, “Ria” stands as an anthem for community resistance. Belarmino revealed that the story speaks directly to “anyone who has lost someone to a broken system, anyone who refuses to be silenced, and anyone who believes in the power of resistance.”
The film’s journey to South Korea showcases the expertise rooted in Benilde’s faculty. Belarmino, who teaches directing at the film program, brings a rich history of international acclaim to his feature debut. An alumnus of prestigious incubators such as Festival de Cannes Cinéfondation La Résidence, Talents Tokyo, Locarno Filmmakers Academy, and the Quinzaine des cinéastes Fortnight Factory, he previously garnered widespread recognition for his award-winning short films, including “Hinakdal” and the Cannes-selected “Agapito.” He co-wrote the screenplay with Kyla Danelle Romero, his collaborator on “Radikals” (Cannes Critics’ Week 2024) and co-director on “Agapito.” Co-producing the film with Ang is Kristine De Leon, who has previously worked with Belarmino in his Cannes short films.
Ang’s producing portfolio spans celebrated international titles presented at festivals in Busan, Berlin, Rotterdam, Warsaw, and Cannes. His extensive experience with global co-productions proved vital for “Ria,” an international joint effort uniting partners across the Philippines, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, with support from Purin Pictures, Sørfond, and the FDCP International Co-production Fund.
Joining Hooshmand and Sanchez are Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor winner Cedrick Juan, Iana Bernardez, Soliman Cruz, Andre Miguel, Veronica Reyes, Kevin Regalado, Anastasia Bartolome, RS Magtaan, Paolo O’Hara, Jing Diaz, Rico Torrente, Mark Anthony Estabillo, Lei Tigcal, and Anthonio Mendiola Lana Jr.
As “Ria” prepares for its world premiere, its inclusion at BIFF celebrates both Philippine storytelling on the global stage and the active artistic leadership guiding students at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
