More Wins For Philippine Cinema At The Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025

BARCELONA, Spain—The Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025 has released its full, official list of winners.

During the closing ceremony on November 8, the festival traditionally announces the winners of its five major competitive sections, while the results for the New Perspectives section and the Audience Award are revealed afterward — once jury deliberations are completed and all audience votes from every screening are counted.

This year, the Philippines earned significant honors across these categories.

In the Official Panorama section, Petersen Vargas won Best Director for Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, a vivid, emotionally charged portrait of Manila’s youth, praised for its clarity and bold visual style.

In New Perspectives, Lav Díaz received Best Director for Phantosmia, recognized for its thematic depth, artistic rigor, and innovative approach to contemporary cinema.

The Philippines also secured the Audience Award for Best Film with Antoinette Jadaone’s Sunshine, chosen directly by festivalgoers — a meaningful win as it reflects the direct choice of viewers across all festival venues in Barcelona.

With one of the strongest and most diverse Filipino lineups in this edition, these recognitions reaffirm the growing global presence and artistic strength of Philippine cinema.