Photos from Austrian Embassy Manila
The Innsbruck Nature Film Festival (INFF), one of Europe’s most respected platforms for environmental cinema, officially made its Asian debut with the first Manila Edition held at SM Mall of Asia Cinema from 30 November to 2 December 2025. The three-day festival featured free screenings of award-winning nature and environmental films from Austria, offering Filipino audiences stories on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability.
Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Johann Brieger led the opening ceremony on 1 December, describing the festival as a meaningful cultural collaboration between Austria and the Philippines. He emphasized the connection between culture and nature, noting that while many Filipinos associate Austria with “The Sound of Music,” the festival presents a deeper look into the country through its landscapes and biodiversity.
Established in 2002 in Tyrol and Innsbruck, the INFF has become an influential international film competition, attracting filmmakers from around the world for its focus on nature, ecology, sustainability, and artistic storytelling.
In his message, Ambassador Brieger also underscored the importance of including Filipino conservation stories, citing the documentary “Iyo ang Dagat” by Sally Snow and LAMAVE. He reminded students attending the event that environmental stewardship is personal, communal, and deeply local, and that the youth hold the responsibility to champion lasting climate action.
SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin welcomed the partnership, noting that the festival aligns with SM’s commitments to sustainability and community engagement. The event also received support from Perkin So, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Mall of Asia, and Dolly Rose S. Manalang, Executive Director of the National University–MOA Campus, along with faculty members and students.
Guests were treated to a screening of “Wild Innsbruck” by Patrick Centurioni, a documentary that explores the natural world surrounding Innsbruck. INFF Biodiversity Advisor Stefanie Pontasch, who flew in from Austria, shared insights into the film and its ecological message.
A short talk and panel discussion on nature filmmaking followed, featuring Pontasch and Titus Cañete of LAMAVE, offering perspectives on conservation storytelling and the role of film in environmental advocacy.
The Innsbruck Nature Film Festival – Manila Edition was organized 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.