‘Ria’ wins Heart of Eurasia Award at 31st Busan filmfest
Filipino film “Ria” won the Heart of Eurasia Award at the recently concluded 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
“Ria,” directed by Filipino filmmaker Arvin Belarmino, made its world premiere at BIFF under the Vision Asia section. The 95-minute film is a Philippines-Netherlands-Norway-Saudi Arabia-Japan co-production.
READ: Sylvia Sanchez, Nour Hooshmand grace 2026 Busan Int’l Film Festival red carpet
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It’s producers, actress Sylvia Sanchez and Grace Ann Casimsiman, however, failed to attend the awards night as they had to return to the Philippines immediately following the opening rites. Lead actress Nour Hooshmand also came with them.
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The other Nathan Studios films featured at BIFF were “Nagi Notes” and “Filipiniana,” the Philippines’ entry to the 99th Academy Awards.
“Ria,” a five-country co-production involving the Philippines, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, was recognized as an outstanding Asian film featured in the festival’s Vision section, which highlights independent films and emerging cinema from various regions.
The film follows the story of Ria, a folk-punk musician played by Nour Hooshmand, who faces a series of challenges, including the forced displacement of her community, poverty, state violence, and the deteriorating health of the woman who raised her, Olga, played by Sanchez.
“Ria” also stars Iana Bernardez, Veronica Reyes, Anastasia Bartolome, Kevin Regalado, Soliman Cruz, Paolo O’Hara, RS Magtaan and Andre Miguel, among others.
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Hooshmand is fresh from her Best Supporting Actress win at the CinePanalo Film Festival 2026. She also appears in Rafael Manuel’s “Filipiñana.” The film is the Philippines’ official entry at the 99th Academy Awards.
Belarmino received a cash prize of 10 million South Korean won, equivalent to approximately $7,300 or P469,000.
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