Get ready to pack your bags and grab your popcorn because a new kind of film festival is on the move! The NDM Original Film Festival, or NOFF, is not your typical cinematic event. This ambitious project, led by visionary director Nijel De Mesa and actress Arci Muñoz, has a mission to be the world’s first traveling film festival, bringing original Filipino films to audiences across the globe.
Dubbed the “mavericks” of this new movement, the dynamic duo are the creative forces behind NDMstudios. Their unique business model, known as “Fly-Film-Fun,” is as adventurous as it sounds: they “fly” to a new country, “film” a movie there, and then have some “fun” while showcasing their work.
From Nagoya with Love: The Festival’s First Stop
The inaugural NOFF event recently took place from August 14-17, 2025, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. While the first day of screenings had a slow start, director Nijel De Mesa was thrilled by the overwhelming support that followed. “We got nervous during the first screening when the turnout wasn’t as good,” he shared. “But then suddenly, people piled up until the hall was full to the brim during the succeeding screenings for the other films!”
That momentum carried right into the workshops, where aspiring actors and fans were treated to a two-day intensive session and a Q&A with the director and Arci Muñoz themselves. The event also featured a special screening of the award-winning film “Subtext,” along with the international premieres of new NDM Original films:
- “True Or False Positive” (starring Neil Coleta, Arnold Reyes, Mayton Eugenio)
- “Hongkong Kailangan Mo Ako” (starring JeanKiley, Mayton Eugenio)
- “Kunwari” (starring Asia Yoona, Eli Padilla)
What’s Next for NOFF?
Beyond showcasing their films, one of the festival’s core objectives is to discover and train new talent. It’s a key part of the vision from the director and his team, which includes his wife and NDMstudios Executive Vice President, Ms. Jan Christine, and Arci’s mom, Yolanda Muñoz. The success in Japan proves they’re on the right track.
So, where will the NOFF traveling festival go next? The team is eyeing Singapore and Taiwan for their next stops. For all the latest updates on their world tour, make sure to follow the official NDMstudios Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NDMstudios.
Are you excited to see a traveling film festival come to your city? Let us know in the comments below!
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