Cine Nationale 2025, the flagship student film festival of National University Fairview, officially kicked off with a grand media launch on October 1, 2025, at the SM City Fairview Atrium.
Organized by the AB Communication program, the event marked the start of a month-long celebration of student creativity and storytelling, reaffirming the power of young Filipino voices in cinema.
This year’s theme, ‘Mga Anino sa Silahis’ (Shadows in the Glimmer), explores silenced truths and flickers of hope amid social struggles. Carrying the tagline ‘Ating Kwento, Ating Kultura’ (Our Stories, Our Culture), the festival underscores the importance of stories in reflecting Filipino identity and sparking dialogue.
Now on its second year, Cine Nationale continues to grow in both scale and impact, with film screenings scheduled on October 7–8, 2025 at SM Fairview Cinema 4 (with a possible extension to a third day), culminating in the Gabi ng Parangal awards night on October 31, where excellence in directing, writing, cinematography, and performance will be recognized.
Festival founder Nathan Perez reflected on Cine Nationale’s humble beginnings in his keynote speech.
“Imposible po ito two years ago. Pero for an institution who promises education that works, wala talagang space for impossibilities,” Perez said.
He shared that the festival was born from a dream to give students a platform to share their stories: “Cine Nationale started with one dream—na matupad ang mga munting pangarap ng mga estudyante na ang tanging puhunan ay ang kanilang kwento. Dahil naniniwala kami na ‘story is king,’ sinikap naming gawing magandang kwento rin ang pag-abot namin sa pangarap na ito.”
Perez expressed optimism for the festival’s future, envisioning a wider reach in the next five years through greater participation and recognition.
The event featured the poster reveal and trailer premiere of the seven official short film entries:
‘Ang Sinag ni Ilaya’ (Lenscape Collective) – Ilaya must learn to live again after the loss of her father.
‘Bangkang Papel’ (Muni-Muni Productions) – Friends Sol and Isay reconnect through paper boats carrying forgotten truths.
‘Indak ng Silweta’ (Tricolor Productions) – Kala finds her voice through dance and self-expression.
‘Lukas’ (SeeSaw Productions) – A queer youth faces HIV stigma while searching for acceptance.
‘Sapantaha’ (Noctra Films) – Lia journeys through grief, healing, and justice.
‘Serenata’ (Lightbulb Pictures) – Leah confronts love, judgment, and societal perceptions.
‘Tahimik ang Ama Namin’ (Haraya Films) – A family’s silence turns sacred spaces into stages of hidden truths.
The program also included a live performance by JV Masangkay, Ace Kirby Capellan, and NZN, followed by a runway reveal of the main cast members who will bring these student stories to life on the big screen.
During the MediaCon segment, producers and directors discussed their creative process and influences.
‘Tahimik ang Ama Namin’ producer Angeline Castro said, “Ang pinaka-Filipino film na maiisip ng iba, possibly, is Shake, Rattle and Roll, pero para sa’min, wala siyang kaparehong Filipino film since all ideas are original.”
For ‘Serenata,’ director Vijay Agudo cited a story of redemption: “For me, ang iniisip ko while making this was Green Bones, because ang istorya niya is redemption.”
‘Bangkang Papel’ producer Rhy Mahinay mentioned indie influence: “Ang inspiration namin sa paggawa ng Bangkang Papel is Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita. Naging inspo namin siya lalo na for visual peg.”
Meanwhile, ‘Lukas’ producer Destiny Faith Pariña connected their work to a beloved LGBTQ+ film: “The Filipino film na pumasok sa utak namin was Die Beautiful. Pareho nilang nahanap yung pagmamahal na dapat binibigay ng pamilya nila sa labas ng tahanan.”
The event concluded with a special performance by MNL48 members Klaryle, Cole, Jamie, Dana, Andi, Rhea, Line, Ira, and Chelle — energizing the crowd and bridging the gap between mainstream and student-driven artistry.
As the screenings commence this week and anticipation builds for the Gabi ng Parangal on October 31, Cine Nationale stands as a testament that in Philippine cinema, every story — no matter how small — has the power to make a difference.
