Innsbruck Nature Film Festival Makes Asian Debut with Manila Edition

Manila, Philippines – 2 December 2025 — The internationally acclaimed Innsbruck Nature Film Festival (INFF) officially expanded into Asia with its first-ever Manila Edition, held from 30 November to 2 December 2025 at SM Mall of Asia Cinema. The three-day event featured free screenings of award-winning Austrian nature and environmental films, giving Filipino audiences a rare opportunity to explore global narratives on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable futures.

The opening ceremony on 1 December was led by Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Johann Brieger, who described the festival as one of the most meaningful recent cultural collaborations between Austria and the Philippines. In his remarks, the Ambassador reflected on the deep connection between culture and nature, noting that while Austria is often remembered in the Philippines through the classic film The Sound of Music, the festival offers “something even better” a glimpse into the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity through cinema.

Founded in 2002 in Tyrol and Innsbruck, the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival has grown into one of Europe’s most respected platforms for environmental filmmaking. Each year, it attracts hundreds of filmmakers from around the world, spotlighting stories that explore ecology, sustainability, and the artistic power of visual storytelling.

“By bringing the INFF to Manila for the very first time, we hope to contribute to this global dialogue from here in the Philippines—a country rich in biodiversity and deeply connected to nature, yet also vulnerable to the realities of climate change,” Ambassador Brieger said.

He also underscored the importance of amplifying local conservation voices, citing the inclusion of the Filipino documentary Iyo ang Dagat by Sally Snow and LAMAVE. Calling environmental stewardship “personal, communal, and deeply local,” he encouraged student audiences to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Students and faculty from National University–MOA Campus were among the guests at the Austrian Embassy’s special screening of Wild Innsbruck by Patrick Centurioni, which offered a visually striking portrait of the natural environment surrounding Innsbruck. The film was later contextualized by Ms. Stefanie Pontasch, INFF’s Biodiversity Advisor, who traveled from Austria to take part in the Manila edition.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Mr. Joaquin San Agustin also delivered a welcome message, highlighting the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and community engagement, values that closely align with the festival’s mission.

The event was further supported by Mr. Perkin So, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Mall of Asia, Ms. Dolly Rose S. Manalang, Executive Director of National University–MOA Campus, along with faculty members and school officials.

Following the screening, a panel discussion on nature filmmaking brought together Ms. Pontasch and Mr. Titus Cañete of LAMAVE. Their conversation offered insights into biodiversity conservation, the challenges of environmental storytelling, and the vital role of film in inspiring public awareness and action.

The Innsbruck Nature Film Festival – Manila Edition was presented by the Austrian Embassy in Manila in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Cinema, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, with support from the Philippine Sustainability Movement, Pristine Solutions, and LAMAVE.

With its successful Asian debut, the festival opened new avenues for cross-cultural collaboration, using cinema as a powerful medium to foster environmental consciousness and global solidarity in the face of climate change.