Filipino films leave an impact at the Cannes Film Festival

Creating cinematic milestones between France and the Philippines

By Rica Arevalo

Published May 31, 2025 08:18 am

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing.

Last month, we were at the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival in France to meet film industry professionals from 140 countries, attend conferences, and watch films with passionate cineastes all over the world.

The highlight for us Filipinos was the co-production agreement between the Philippines and France, the world premiere of Lav Diaz’s “Magalhães (Magellan),” starring Gael Garcia Bernal, and the Filipino entry in the short film competition entitled “Agapito,” from directors Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing. Their co-produced films are recognized as national productions in both countries, as well as qualifying for incentives from both the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'ImageAnimée (CNC).

France has been at the forefront of film preservation and heritage, and sees the Philippines as a key partner in co-production collaboration between Europe and Asia.

In the last 25 years, only three short films from the Philippines have been selected in the competition: “Animo” by Raymond Red in 2000, “Imago” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez in 2016, and this year’s “Agapito” by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

At the Philippine Pavilion, we met Arvin, and he shared how his Cannes experience was marred by challenges. “Sa akin sobrang divine intervention (It was divine intervention),” said Arvin. He erroneously got a rejection letter from the organizer stating that his short film did not get in. On the way to Cannes, his luggage was stolen too. “Ginawa lang naming siya to test the actors kasi si Nour (Hooshmand) din ang ‘Ria’ ko (We made this short film to test the actors because Nour is the lead in ‘Ria’),” he confessed. “Ria” is Arvin’s much-awaited full-length directorial debut, which will start filming on June 9, 2025. “It’s just for me to have this relationship at work because it’s a full-length.” They submitted “Agapito” to different festivals. “Dito (Cannes) kami lumanding (We landed in Cannes).”

At the Cannes Premiere section, “Magalhães (Magellan)” was well-applauded at the Debussy Theatre. After the end credits, Lav Diaz said to the crowd, “Thank you very much.” The mic was given to Gael Garcia Bernal, and he replied, “Muitoobrigado (Thank you very much), obrigado, Lav.” There was mutual respect between the two accomplished men.

“Magalhães (Magellan)” follows Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his marriage to Beatriz Barbosa, before traveling on the Spanish crown's expedition to Southeast Asia, propagating Christianity, and scouting for spices and treasures—Lav’s ending questions the existence of Lapu-Lapu based on his seven years of research.

Actor Bong Cabrera, who plays Rajah Kolambuwas, was educated in independent filmmaking by watching the Gael-starrer, “Y tumamá también,”“Amores Perros,” and “Bad Education.” “‘Yung films ni Gael, iyon ‘yung mga first independent films na napapanood ko (Gael’s films were the first independent films I saw,” said Bong. “He’s (Gael) a cool guy, mahilig siya sa karaoke.” The first time they met, they sang Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan.” “Sobrang nakakatawa siya kasi after naming kumanta, sabi ba naman niya (He is so funny, after singing he said), ‘This is sacrilege! Mother, mother I am sick.’”

The Cannes experience for Bong was surreal. “From shooting sa mga mapuputik sa Pilipinas, tapos bigla kasama si Gael, tapos nandito na kami biglang nag walk sa red carpet in Cannes, medyo nakakataba ng puso (From shooting in the muddy areas of the Philippines, being joined by Gael, then walking down the red carpet in Cannes, it’s heartwarming) with all the support from Filipino community.”

For “Magalhães (Magellan),” we hope for Filipinos to see it in local theaters before the year ends. Nour Films acquired the distribution rights of the film in France. “For one, there is this statement in the film that is very controversial,” said Bong. “But I think the purpose of Direk Lav is to create a discourse with what’s going on.”

While at the airport on our way back to Manila, Lav cornered us to say that the film will go on a festival run tour, and he hopes to finish a nine-hour-long director’s cut. We wish him all the best as he is one of the innovators of the slow cinema movement.

BINI marks anniversary with more shows abroad, surprises for Blooms

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 1, 2025 07:49 am

BINI has just concluded a successful month of May and is now diving headfirst into an even more exciting June as they celebrate their 4th anniversary. 

Fans can look forward to a variety of engaging activities and surprises, including new music, thrilling events, collectible merchandise, and, of course, fresh content from the group.

As part of the month-long celebration, fans of Blooms can look forward to eight exciting surprises specially curated for them. Following their global debut, BINI has performed at some of the most sought-after venues around the world. Highlights include their sold-out concert at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on May 18, as well as packed shows at the Ovo Arena in London on May 25, the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto on May 30, and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 31. More shows are planned for the future.

BINI is the first Filipino girl group to travel from city to city aboard a touring bus to reach BINIverse World Tour’s next 10 legs: The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Washington, DC (June 3); Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont (June 6); 713 Music Hall in Houston (June 9); The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Dallas (June 10); The Theater at Las Vegas Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas (June 13); Peacock Theater in Los Angeles (June 14); The Summit at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula (June 15); Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco (June 17); The Paramount Theatre in Seattle (June 20); and Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center in Vancouver (June 21).

Between rehearsals and shows, the girls are also busy with various guest appearances, interviews, and courtesy calls. Building on the success of their performance video for "Zero Pressure," the girls are preparing to release another hit, “Shagidi,” a special single for their upcoming tour, on June 5. The song originated from a spontaneous round of the game Shagidi Shapopo, quickly transforming into a lively chant and dance session. This fun and upbeat track combines cultural pride with global pop appeal.

Four episodes of BINI’s variety show, BINIversus of Maloi, Gwen, Aiah, and Stacey, are lined up this month. The BINIversus Episode 1: Tanggal Colet Course is also officially out on BINI Official’s YouTube channel, with new episodes premiering every Wednesday at 8 p.m. PHT.

BINI in London

Another first for BINI is the BINIverse and Chorus—a songwriting festival themed “BINI Music for Blooms, by blooms”—which opens the door for aspiring songwriters to become part of BINI’s musical journey.

Mark the date, June 11, for Happy Blooms Day: BINI 4th Anniversary - a celebration of BINI and their avid supporters at the Ayala Trinoma Mall, filled with treats for Blooms who have supported the Nation’s Girl Group since they started. 

The event promises exciting and interactive activities, from the appearance of BINIkada and the staging of Blooms Got You Covered Talent Competition, to more surprises in store. Indeed, it will be a day to remember for the BINI fandom.

After the recognition of BINI Chapter 1 Documentary as a finalist at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards for Best Documentary in the Biography and Profiles Category, fans will be provided VIP seats to be the first ones to see the Bini Docu Chapter 3 at the Happy Blooms Day ahead of its official release on iWant on June 12. 

Produced by iWant and ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, the one-and-a-half-hour documentary captures BINI’s US and Canada tour journey. It highlights the girls’ struggles and their relentless efforts to make a name on the international stage— all while discovering more about themselves along the way. Through this project, BINI continues to expand its reach and connect with an even wider global audience.

BINI in Dubai

Blooms can look forward to even more exciting reveals, including BINI’s newest passion project—BINI Cosmetics, to be officially announced on June 29, a beauty line personally designed and curated by the girls to celebrate self-expression, confidence, and their unbreakable bond with Blooms. 

More than just performers, the BINI members are true beauty enthusiasts. Their love for makeup inspired them to create a line that reflects their styles and personal connection with their supporters, with each product thoughtfully developed by the girls themselves. Rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and self-love, the debut collection will feature five must-have products to watch out for.

An anniversary merchandise line and a special photobook titled "Journey through the Biniverse" will also be unveiled, composed of eight chapters filled with photos of the girls chronicling their journey and growth individually and as a group, as well as unforgettable moments and milestones in their careers—a keepsake for blooms to cherish.

After making waves on the global stage, BINI returns to where it all began—not just to the Philippines, but to the hearts of their day ones, Blooms. Here with You: The BINI Homecoming Fan Meet, slated for June 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena, is a free event and gathering for BINI Global members. 

The homecoming event serves as the culminating activity of BINI’s month-long anniversary celebration, honoring a journey built on gratitude, growth, and the unshakable sisterhood that defines them.

FAMILY AS SACRAMENT

 

Living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, I found out about this. I learned so many things being a part of a Philippine family.  I was born in a parish house in Germany  but experienced years later how to survive in a broken family.

My Philippine mentor, Hermogenes E. Bacareza, former Chaplain of the Philippine community in Berlin and author of German-Philippine Relations,  taught me in 1988: The Christian family is also called to be a sacrament. They are called, like the Church, to be Christ to one another, as well as to the broader community. By becoming what they are called to be, the family lives the sacramental life, and the sacred can bubble up through the ordinary things of everyday life.

What on earth can be more of a sign of God’s grace than the authentic self-giving love of a fully committed married couple whose love for each other brings life and spills out upon their children and with them onto those beyond the family? This, I believe, is the new vision of the Christian family for the 21st century. 

Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom.

Families are central to God's plan for His children. They are the fundamental building block of strong societies. Families are where we can feel love and learn how to love others. Life is tough, and we need people we can lean on.

What's the purpose of family? These bonds are important because family helps us get through the most disastrous times and the best times. Family is important because they can offer support and security coupled with unconditional love; they will always look to see and bring out the best in you even if you cannot see it for yourself.

Since residing in the Philippines, I experienced that family is important to Christians because family is about witnessing to the Lord’s faithful love for the Church and for the whole of humanity; family is about making present, in a concrete and daily manner, the reciprocity and beauty of the love that characterises God’s life. Family is a rich school where we learn to be humane and generous, to be patient and steadfast, to be just and merciful, to be faithful and committed, to be together and to connect.

The concept of the family as a sacrament, while not one of the seven traditional sacraments, is a powerful idea within Christian theology. It highlights the family as a visible sign of God's grace, love, and presence in the world. 

Single parented or mother-father; childless or fertile; in big cities or in the countryside; in harmony or in conflict/domestic violence; in home country or refugees; at peace or at war, married or cohabitating, separated or remarried; healthy or in illness/addiction, free or in prison, in a house or homeless, able or disabled, working locally or away from home, with or without pets; whatever the family… all families are precious in the eyes of God.

In his letter Familiaris Consortio, Saint John Paul II points out that Christian marriage is a sacramental sign that reveals God's love for human beings. The family, then, becomes a “little sanctuary” where divine love and grace are shared between spouses and between parents and children.

Unconditional love

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THERE is no doubt that this is the kind of love that Christ is showing us and is commanding us to also live. “Love one another as I have loved you,” he said. (Jn 13,34) And we know that he went all the way by offering his life on the cross for all our sins, offering us mercy even if we have not yet asked for it.

He not only became a man to identify himself with us all the way to our worst condition. Not only did he proclaim the Good News to us. Not only did he work wonderful miracles that alleviated and continue to alleviate our wounded condition here on earth. 

He had to offer his life in the most ignominious way, not minding the worst injustice that can be committed in this world, since he was completely innocent and sinless and yet was given the worst punishment.

We should meditate often on the passion and death of Christ if only to be inspired as to what real love is, the love that we also are supposed to live also. We know that Christ’s love has a universal scope. It covers everyone, the saintly and the sinful, the friendly and the hostile, the likeable and the hateful, the hero and the villain, etc.

This is, of course, a tremendous, if not an impossible, challenge for us. But we should not waste time agonizing over the thought of how this can be tackled. If we have faith, one that is operative, we know that what is impossible to us can be made possible because Christ himself has assured us of his grace.

We have to realize that this kind of love is first of all supernatural. It is not simply human and natural love, depending only on some natural conditions and forces. And Christ is ever eager to share this kind of love with us. Things would just depend on how receptive and responsive we are to God’s grace.

On our part, we should just try our best to develop the appropriate virtues needed for this kind of love to be lived by us. This will take time, of course. In fact, it will involve our whole life. But we should just go through the discipline required, developing the appropriate requirements gradually and at one step at a time.

This will obviously involve times when we succeed and also times when we fail. But however things go, we should just move on, rectifying and growing in that kind of love. To be sure, we need to be tough. And it would also be helpful if we equip ourselves with a healthy sporting spirit and a good sense of humor. Whether we win or lose in a particular battle of love, we should just go on.

We have to learn how to be understanding and compassionate with everyone, always taking the initiative to reach out to others. We have to learn how to be adaptive to everyone, to be all things to all men as St. Paul once said. (cfr. 1 Cor 9,22)

We have to learn how to give ourselves to everyone without expecting any return, eager to offer mercy to those who may have done us wrong, and to ask for forgiveness once we ourselves can offend others.

There should never be the dregs of whatever resentment and critical thoughts in our hearts. On the contrary, we should always show affection to everyone, irrespective of how they are to us. We should be willing to suffer for others.