Sylvia Sanchez reflects on Cannes experience after producing competition film ‘Renoir’

Sylvia Sanchez, long admired for her acclaimed work as an actress, marks a new milestone in her career as a producer. She attended the 2025 Cannes Film Festival as one of the producers of Renoir, a Japanese coming-of-age art film that was part of the festival’s prestigious official competition.

Sylvia, who serves as CEO of Nathan Studios Inc, proudly walked the red carpet in May, celebrating Filipino participation in global cinema. Directed by Chie Hayakawa, Renoir was part of the festival’s main competition, one of only 19 films from around the world that competed for the Palme d’Or.

During the homecoming press conference on June 9 in Quezon City, Sylvia Sanchez looked back on the difficult but fulfilling journey that led to this milestone.

“Yung una, yung hirap na pagpunta mo do’n suntok sa buwan — nasaan ako, sinong kakapitan ko dito, wala akong alam…”

Despite the challenges, Slyvia trusted the people around her and stayed committed to the vision.

“Yung mga nakuha kong tao na mga nasamahan ko, good tao naman. Maganda naman yung mga intensyon. Hindi ako nagkamali… After four years, ito na, nakapag-red carpet ako. I mean hindi [as] artista pero bilang producer…”

While Renoir is not a Filipino film and does not feature a Filipino cast, Sanchez highlighted the significance of Filipino contribution to its production.

“Hindi nga ito Pinoy film, hindi nga cast Pilipino, but still Filipino producer, part ang Pinoy dito. Naghirap din ang Pinoy dito. Who knows, next time pag nag-red carpet kami… Pinoy na talaga lahat… What’s important is nakapasok kami, nakapag-red carpet kami, may track record yung production namin, meron kaming na-present dito na pelikula,” she said.

Renoir is a co-production among Japan’s Happinet Studios, France’s Ici et Là Productions, Singapore’s Akanga Film Asia, Indonesia’s Kawan Kawan Media, and the Philippines’ Nathan Studios and Daluyong Studios. Sanchez worked alongside fellow Filipino producer Alemberg Ang on the project.

The film tells the story of 11-year-old Fuki, played by newcomer Yui Suzuki, whose father is battling a terminal illness while her mother struggles under emotional strain. As Fuki becomes increasingly fascinated with telepathy, she begins to escape into her own imaginary world.

Filipino audiences can look forward to the film’s local premiere this November at the QCinema International Film Festival. Renoir is also set for release in Japan on June 20.