MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 11, 2022 — Filipino director Arvin Belarmino, with his feature film project Ria, has been selected to participate in the 44th Cinéfondation – Residence du Festival Programme of the Festival de Cannes in France from March 1 to July 15, 2022.

The award-winning filmmaker was one of the six foreign directors, and the only Asian director, selected to take part in the Résidence du Festival to work on their fictional feature film project. The programme will provide a personalized guide to Belarmino, as well as the other participants, to aid them in the development and production of their films. It will also feature forums and seminars where participants can learn from industry professionals. 

Berlarmino’s film project for the Residence program, Ria, was honored with the Special Mention award at the 2021 Talents Tokyo. He is also known for his 40th Gawad Urian Best Short Film Nakaw and his 2020 short film Tarang, which received the Berlin Brandenburg Short Award for Best Film at the 36th Interfilm Berlin Short Film Festival.

“Congratulations to Director Arvin and the whole team, this is a huge milestone for the development of their film. This golden opportunity will pave the way for our hopeful Filipino filmmakers to grow beyond the local film scene,” said Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

In a Facebook post last December 2021, Belarmino expressed his joy and gratitude for being chosen in the prestigious program: “Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na magiging isa ako sa anim na filmmakers na mapipili upang buuin ang aming munting istorya sa isa sa mga malalaking entablado ng mundo.” 

Belarmino will also be receiving financial assistance from the Agency’s International Film Studies Assistance Program (IFSAP) for the residency program in France. Last 2021, Filipiñana director Rafael Manuel took part in the 41st session of the Residence and was given the same support provided by IFSAP. 

Since its formation in 2000, the Residence has welcomed over 200 filmmakers from all over the world, encouraging talented young filmmakers working on their first or second fictional feature film.