Busan Winner ‘Ria,’ Arvin Belarmino’s Folk-Punk Debut, Boards Lights On (EXCLUSIVE)

“Ria,” Philippines filmmaker Arvin Belarmino’s debut feature about a young woman from the folk-punk scene who takes on a property developer to save her home, has been picked up by international sales company Lights On following its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival.

The film picked up the Heart of Eurasia Award after bowing in Busan.

In the story, Ria teams up with her foster mother and their fellow punks to resist a merciless developer intent on tearing down their building. It is the last structure left standing in a neighborhood that has already been reduced to rubble.

The film is a co-production between the Philippines, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Norway.

“An ode to rebellion and a fierce cry against injustice, ‘Ria’ is a film that reminds us of cinema’s ability to resist, question, and confront the world around us. A film that deserves to travel far and connect with audiences across borders,” said Lights On co-founder and managing director Flavio Armone.

Armone said the company was especially proud to see the project come together because it extends its relationship with Belarmino. The two previously worked together on “Agapito,” a Cannes-debuting short that Belarmino co-directed with Kyla Romero.

“I’m so happy to be collaborating with Lights On. They’ve been part of my journey as a filmmaker, witnessing my growth from my short film to now bringing my feature film to life. There’s something so fulfilling about finding people who see your vision, believe in your stories, and grow alongside you,” said Belarmino.

Producer Kristine De Leon said making the film had not been easy, adding: “Having people you can trust makes the journey a little lighter. That’s something I’ve found with Lights On.”

Lights On’s slate also includes Polen Ly’s Cambodian feature “Becoming Human,” a 2025 Venice title, and “Hair, Paper, Water…,” from Nicolas Graux and Trương Minh Quý, which played Locarno the same year. “Becoming Human” is Cambodia’s Oscar submission this year.