5 Filipino-produced films at the 2025 Cannes

Every cinephile and film industry observer knows that the Cannes Film Festival is a make-or-break event, where audiences won't be shy about giving a film a round of applause for several minutes or booing one they don't like.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

This year's Cannes, which will run from May 13 to 24, won't be any different.

Some entries may be lucky enough to be considered awards contenders later in the year for the Oscars, while others are simply happy to find a distributor that can bring their hard work to the big screen. Or, if you're a movie star like Tom Cruise, you're just happy your blockbuster premiered at the world's most prestigious film festival.

Behind the glamor of Cannes lies a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of the festival: filmmakers and producers from all over the world, including the Philippines, will be there not only to premiere their works but also to find networks and seek potential funding for future projects.

There are five Filipino-produced films set to be shown at this year's Cannes, most of them being co-productions with other countries. One features a controversial figure in Philippine history, helmed by one of the country's most prominent auteurs. Another, produced by actress Sylvia Sanchez, will compete in the main Palme d'Or category, with a jury led by French actress Juliette Binoche as president, and members that include Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong.

MAGELLAN