Award-winning actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez continues to make waves in the international film scene with her latest milestone: serving as one of the co-producers of the Japanese art film Renoir, an official selection in the main competition of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
A collaboration among studios from Japan, France, Singapore, Indonesia, Qatar, and the Philippines, Renoir is a coming-of-age drama by acclaimed director Chie Hayakawa (Plan 75). The film tells the story of 11-year-old Fuki, a girl grappling with her father’s terminal illness and her mother’s emotional burden, ultimately escaping into a fantasy world through the power of telepathy. With its tender storytelling and delicate imagery, Renoir has captivated critics and audiences at Cannes, garnering praise for its emotional depth and visual style.
A Filipino touch on the global stage
For Sylvia Sanchez, whose Nathan Studios co-financed Renoir, the project marks not only a career milestone but a proud moment for Philippine cinema.
“Three years ago, I went to Cannes just to observe,” Sanchez said during a recent press conference. “I wanted to understand what kind of films make it to that stage. Fast forward to today, we’re no longer just observing—we’re on the red carpet as international co-producers.”
The connection was made possible by Alemberg Ang, head of Daluyong Studios, who introduced Sanchez to the Renoir team during their visit to the Philippines last year. Already impressed by Hayakawa’s critically acclaimed Plan 75 and the team’s reputation at Cannes, Sanchez saw potential in the project.
“Maganda ang track record nila, and if your team is solid, malamang makapasok ka,” Sanchez noted. “And true enough, it happened. I trusted Alem and the team—and I wasn’t wrong.”
Learning from the best
More than just a financial backer, Sanchez immersed herself in the project—reviewing scripts, attending shoots, and observing Japanese production culture firsthand.
“Ang dami kong natutunan,” she shared. “Their discipline, their attention to detail, even their work hours—three hours work, one hour nap, then back again. Nakakabilib talaga. As a producer and an actress, sana ganun din sa atin sa Pilipinas.”
She added that this experience was not just about watching from the sidelines. “This wasn’t just a money deal. We were involved from script to set. That’s why I’m so proud. Filipino talent can match up with anyone—French, Japanese, global creatives.”
One of the film’s key scenes was even shot in the Philippines, with a beach in Batangas doubling for Santorini. Nathan Studios managed local production for these sequences, further showcasing the capabilities of the Filipino crew.
The power of international collaboration
For Sanchez, Renoir represents what’s possible when Filipino producers break out of local boundaries and aim for the world stage.
“This international collaboration creates a massive impact on the Filipino film industry,” she emphasized. “It gives hope to more producers to go global, whether solo or in partnership with others.”
Nathan Studios has quickly built a track record of international recognition. In 2022, their thriller Cattleya Killer premiered at Cannes, followed by Topakk in 2023, starring her son, actor and newly reelected Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde. Both films drew attention from global distributors and film buyers.
Now, Renoir cements Nathan Studios’ credibility as a rising force in the global market.
“I’m still in disbelief. This was just a dream when we started Nathan Studios. Now it’s a reality. All the hard work, belief, and prayers—nagbunga talaga.”
Critics applaud
Renoir has been well received by critics at Cannes. Deadline’s Stephanie Bunbury called the film “beautiful, haunting, and emotionally resonant,” while Variety’s Jessica Kiang praised its “impressionistic storytelling and the lovely performance of Yui Suzuki.” Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye also highlighted the young lead’s compelling portrayal, noting how the film’s emotional undercurrent sneaks up on its viewers.
The film opens in Japanese theaters on June 20 and is set to be released in France soon. A Philippine theatrical release is slated for later this year, giving Filipino audiences a chance to see their country’s contribution to this celebrated international project.
As Sanchez and her team prepare for more global ventures, her message is one of inspiration and encouragement for fellow Filipino creatives.
“I hope more Filipino producers will dream big. The world is watching—and we are ready.”
From an actress admired on Philippine screens to a producer making waves on the international film circuit, Sylvia Sanchez is proving that with courage, collaboration, and commitment, Filipino stories—and storytellers—can shine on the world’s biggest stages.