IN its aim to strengthen both France and Philippines’ culture and diplomatic relationship, the French Embassy is set to showcase 13 of its own films and four Filipino movies which had been selected at the Cannes Film Festival in its 22nd French Festival to be held next week.
In an advance screening for the press, Embassy of France to the Philippines deputy head of mission Laurent LE Godec said that since they started the French Film Festival in 1995, Filipinos have become more aware of the French culture and language.
“It has been a tradition and it shows also that what we are doing, in long-term perspective, that we have a common long-term commitment to cinema, to the culture diversity and dialogue between our countries,” Godec said.
Every year, there are over 15,000 Filipinos who religiously watch films at the French Film Festival in selected cinemas in the country.
Godec said, however, that this year’s festival would be unique, as he cited the 70th French-Filipino friendship celebration this June.
“This year, it’s a very particular and exciting one for us. Because we celebrate our 70th anniversary of the signing of the treaty friendship between the two countries,” Godec said.
The treaty between the Philippines and France on diplomatic relations was signed on June 26, 1947 where the framework of its bilateral relations were developed.
France is also celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival and the French Embassy has decided to make this year’s French Festival in Manila special with a red carpet welcome like the one being done in the Cannes Film Festival.
“What we are really trying to do is to catch this spirit of celebration of our friendship, of the diversity, of our society, and of our culture,” Godec said.
The French Film Festival will be held June 9 to 17 at the Ayala Malls Cinema in Greenbelt 3 and the BHS Central Square Cinemas.
The embassy will showcase 13 French films that will immerse Filipinos in a different form of storytelling that portrays French values, culture and language.
Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual Attaché of the Embassy of France in the Philippines, said through the French Film Festival, Filipinos are becoming more educated and aware about foreign language films.
The French Film Festival will also pay homage to Filipino films that have been selected at the Cannes Film Festival such as “Nakaw,” directed by Noel escondo and Arvin Belarmino (Short Film Corner, 2017); “Ma’ Rosa,” directed by Brilliante Mendoza (Main Competition, Best Actress Award, 2016); “On the Job,” directed by Erik Matti (Director’s Fortnight,2013); and “Anino” by Raymond Red (Short Film Cor1ner, Palme d’Or for Best Short Film, 2000).
“This is very important because what we are trying to do here, the French embassy would want to give the Filipino audience the chance to have a better glimpse of the reality of French society. It is also important that in France, the French people have a better knowledge and understanding of the richness and diversity of our Filipino society,’ Godec said.
Macalintal said it will be the first time that the French Film Festival will dedicate one weekend for “plein air” or free public outdoor screenings at the Circuit Makati on June 17 and 18, 2017.
The French Film Festival, Macalintal said, was made possible through the cooperation and help of Institut Français; the Alliance Française de Manille and de Cebu; and the Film Development Council.
Tickets for the screenings is pegged at P100 and may be purchased at the ticket counter or online via Sureseats | Home