Cine Nationale 2025, the flagship student film festival of National University Fairview, officially opened this year’s celebration with a grand media launch held on October 1, 2025, at the SM City Fairview Atrium. Organized by the AB Communication program, the event marked the beginning of a festival season that promises to highlight the creativity and vision of young Filipino storytellers.
The launch carried this year’s theme, “Mga Anino sa Silahis,” which explores silenced truths, hidden beliefs, and faint glimmers of light amidst society’s struggles. With the tagline “Ating Kwento, Ating Kultura,” Cine Nationale 2025 underscores the power of student stories to reflect the Filipino identity and inspire social conversation. Now in its second year, the festival continues to grow in both scale and ambition, with screenings scheduled on October 7–8, 2025, at SM Fairview Cinema 4, and the possibility of adding a third day due to strong audience demand. The celebration will culminate in the much-awaited Gabi ng Parangal on October 31, 2025, honoring excellence in direction, writing, cinematography, and performance.
In his keynote speech, Sir Nathan Perez, the professor behind Cine Nationale, looked back on the festival’s beginnings and reflected on its growth. “Imposible po ito two years ago. Pero for an institution who promises education that works, wala talagang space for impossibilities,” he said. He explained that Cine Nationale was born out of a simple dream to give students a platform to share their stories, no matter how big or small, joyful or sorrowful. “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 added. He emphasized that the next five years will bring an even greater impact for the festival and for NU Fairview, with student films reaching wider audiences and bigger competitions.
One of the most anticipated parts of the launch was the official Poster Reveal and Trailer Presentation of the seven competing short films, each with its own unique take on this year’s theme. 
Ang Sinag ni Ilaya by Lenscape Collective follows Ilaya, a young woman who, after losing her father Sinag, must decide whether to hold onto the past or learn to live again without the light that once guided her life. 
Bangkang Papel by Muni-Muni Productions tells the story of Sol and Isay, two friends bound by music and memory, who rediscover each other through paper boats carrying forgotten truths.
Indak ng Silweta by Tricolor Productions portrays Kala, whose journey on stage becomes a metaphor for finding her voice against life’s challenges. 
Lukas by SeeSaw Productions tackles the reality of HIV stigma, centering on a queer young man who struggles to find acceptance and love after testing positive. 
Sapantaha by Noctra Films introduces Lia Andrada in a story that intertwines grief, healing, and the search for justice or freedom. 
Serenata by Lightbulb Pictures follows Leah, a young woman navigating love, judgment, and the weight of others’ gazes in her search for normalcy. 
Finally, Tahimik ang Ama Namin by Haraya Films explores how silence and secrets within families turn sacred spaces into stages for unspoken truths.
Before the filmmakers and stars were introduced, the audience was treated to a lively performance by JV Masangkay, Ace Kirby Capellan, and NZN, which served as the backdrop to the runway walk of the main cast members. The grand cast reveal gave the audience a closer look at the young actors who will bring these student stories to life on the big screen.
The program then moved into the MediaCon, where producers and directors engaged with members of the press. One question from Goldwin Reviews, a Facebook page known for its critiques of Filipino cinema, asked: “What Filipino film comes to mind while making your short film?” The responses revealed the diversity of influences and originality behind the entries.
For Tahimik ang Ama Namin, producer Angeline Castro noted, “Ang pinaka-Filipino film na maiisip ng iba, possibly, is Shake, Rattle and Roll pero para sa’min sa totoo lang, wala siyang kaparehong Filipino film since all ideas are original.” For Serenata, director Vijay Agudo cited an influence beyond mainstream cinema: “For me, ang iniisip ko while making this was Green Bones, because ang istorya niya is redemption.” For Sapantaha, producer Miguel Divino explained, “Honestly, wala. While conceptualizing our film, wala talaga kaming naisip na Filipino film.”
In contrast, Bangkang Papel producer Rhy Mahinay drew inspiration from an indie gem: “Ang inspiration naman namin sa paggawa ng Bangkang Papel is yung Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita. Naging inspo namin siya lalo na for visual peg.” Indak ng Silweta director Kurt Amante shared that their story was uniquely rooted in music, saying that it was “written based on a song.” Ang Sinag ni Ilaya director Joaquin Andres revealed that the film was born from a personal piece: “Our inspiration came from one of Ameerah’s (producer and main character in Ang Sinag ni Ilaya) own poems.” Meanwhile, Lukas producer Destiny Faith Pariña highlighted how their team connected the film to a celebrated work: “The Filipino film na pumasok sa utak namin, especially for our writers, was Die Beautiful… Ang similarity ni Lukas ang Trisha is pareho nilang nahanap yung pagmamahal na dapat binibigay ng pamilya nila sa labas ng tahanan.”
The MediaCon then continued with the cast members, who spoke about their characters and reflected on the personal impact of being part of stories that address pressing social realities.
Capping off the launch was a special performance by the country’s leading idol group, MNL48, featuring members Klaryle, Cole, Jamie, Dana, Andi, Rhea, Line, Ira, and Chelle. Their dynamic numbers energized the audience and underscored the growing connection between mainstream performers and the emerging student film community.
With the success of its grand media launch, Cine Nationale 2025 sets the tone for an exciting festival season that not only celebrates film but also reaffirms the importance of giving young voices the platform they deserve. As audiences await the screenings from October 7–8, and the culminating Gabi ng Parangal on October 31, Cine Nationale continues to prove that every story, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference.
