After Cannes, Japanese Film Co-produced by Sylvia Sanchez, Alemberg Ang to be Shown in PHL

When filmmaker Alemberg Ang learned that the Japanese coming-of-age film "Renoir" needed additional funding, he thought of bringing in actress-producer Sylvia Sanchez.

- By Nathalie M. Tomada

The film, which tells the story of an 11-year-old coping with adolescence and family issues in late '80s Japan, had its world premiere in the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival last month. It was megged by Chie Hayakawa, director of the critically acclaimed "Plan 75," a dystopian drama that also touched on Filipino caregivers looking after the aging population in Japan.

Megged by Chie Hayakawa, director of the critically acclaimed "Plan 75," a dystopian drama about the aging population in Japan, tells the story of an 11-year-old coping with adolescence and family issues in late '80s Japan.

Ang, head of Daluyong Studios, introduced the founder of Nathan Studios to the team behind "Renoir," including Hayakawa, when they came to the Philippines last year.

Sanchez was already impressed with the team's track record and their work in "Plan 75," what ultimately sealed the deal for her was their aim to bring the film to the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

"Maganda ang record nila sa Cannes, and if proven and reliable ang reputation, malamang mapasok ka," said Sanchez during a presscon on Monday. "So I said, why not? Last year was my third time at Cannes. The first time, I just went to observe because I wanted to produce films. I wanted to find out kung ano ang 'in' ngayon."