Casa Asia Marks 25 Years of Cultural Dialogue at Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025.
The recent opening night of the Asian Film Festival Barcelona (AFFBCN) was a celebration of exceptional Asian cinema, a deep reflection on the power of culture. This was highlighted by the address from Jose Pintor Aguilar, the General Director of Casa Asia.
In his speech, Pintor beautifully articulated the profound role of film in shaping understanding and connection.
Cinema transforms. It compels our gaze toward everything. It is a mirror, it is a magic way, another way, to give back its own reflection.
Jose, Pintor Aguilar
This powerful statement underscores the core philosophy behind the AFFBCN and the very mission of Casa Asia. Pintor went on to emphasize the organization’s enduring commitment to bridging continents, “For 25 years now, Casa Asia continues to work towards the Asian Pacific region through culture, which is an efficient way not only to get to know one another more, but to get to know one another better, founded on respect for wealth and diversity.”
His remarks framed the film festival beyond showing of art. It is a critical tool for diplomacy and mutual respect. By offering over a hundred films from diverse Asian nations, the AFFBCN inspires audiences to confront different worldviews, historical contexts, and identities—in essence, holding up a “mirror” to both the films’ origin cultures and the audience’s own perceptions.
The Asian Film Festival Barcelona (AFFBCN) is back and dominating the cultural landscape of the Catalan capital! For its 13th year, running from October 29th to November 9th, 2025, this festival, organized by Casa Asia, confirms its status as Europe’s cinematic gateway to Asia.
With over a hundred brilliant titles arriving on Spanish shores, cinephiles have a proper feast laid out before them. The opening picture was the magnificent Japanese biopic, Climbing for Life. Starring Sayuri Yoshinaga and directed by Junji Sakamoto, the 2025 film is a deeply moving tribute to the legendary Junko Tabei. It chronicles her monumental 1975 achievement as the first woman ever to conquer Mount Everest, setting an immediate and exhilarating tone.
Inaugurated at CaixaForum, the film’s powerful narrative of courage and sheer, dogged determination perfectly encapsulates the spirit of discovery the AFFBCN aims to champion. It’s the sort of inspiring story that grips you from the start and leaves you ready to tackle your own personal Everests.
This year, the Philippines has sent a truly robust delegation, cementing their growing reputation on the global stage with fifteen films. It’s a compelling mix of established masters and exciting new voices. From Antoinette Jadaone’s highly anticipated Sunshine to the provocative new work from cinematic maestro Lav Diaz, Phantosmia, and more.
The Filipino presence is taken seriously. They have distinguished figures like historian Nick Deocampo leading the Official Section jury, ensuring their delegation is recognised for the cinematic quality it deserves.
Festival director Menene Gras Balaguer summed up the festival’s ethos beautifully: it’s a celebration of diversity and cultural dialogue. She noted that while each film carries a “clearly recognizable identity”, they are all united by the medium’s power to connect.
Crucially, the festival is not just about showing films; it’s about building futures. A recent cooperation agreement signed with the Philippines promises to promote their cinema across Europe and Latin America. This significant move offers Filipino filmmakers the priceless opportunity to expand their networks and explore vital co-production possibilities.
In its 13th edition, the AFFBCN continues to champion these valuable exchanges, showcasing rich and authentic stories. Pintor Aguilar’s words serve as a timely reminder: attending the AFFBCN is an active step in cultural dialogue. It is an acknowledgment that through the shared experience of cinema, we can move beyond surface-level acquaintance to achieve deeper, more respectful understanding of the vast and varied Asian Pacific region. Casa Asia’s quarter-century of dedication continues to prove that culture remains the most effective bridge across continents.
