PHL Embassy in Moscow Congratulates Filipino Winner in Russian Film Fest

Filipino filmmaker Noel M. Izon (person to the left, seen in right photo) receiving an award for the documentary, “An Open Door: Holocaust Haven in the Philippines” at the White Nights Film Festival in St. Petersburg in 2017. This inaugural participation of the film in a Russian film competition paved the way for move invitations to more screenings of the film across Russia this year. (Left photo) “An Open Door” is recognized at the recently-concluded Sochi Film Festival as “Best Documentary Film.” (inset) Promo flyer of the documentary depicting members of the “Manilaners” (Photos lifted from Mr. Izon’s Facebook account.)

20 February 2018 MOSCOW — The historical documentary “An Open Door: Holocaust Haven in the Philippines” was recently recognized as “Best Documentary Film” at the Sochi Film Festival held on 9-11 February 2018. Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta extended his congratulations to Mr. Noel M. Izon, director and producer of the film. It was the second time that Mr. Izon’s film was screened in Russia, after its successful debut last year at the White Nights Film Fest in St. Petersburg held last 17-19 April 2017.

In his congratulatory letter to Mr. Izon, Ambassador Sorreta stated, “We are proud that the film had been recognized in Russia once again, this time at the Sochi film festival. This is a truly inspiring documentary which has brought awareness to the deep and enduring roots of friendship between Filipinos and Jews.” Ambassador Sorreta also expressed his hope that the film would inspire more Russians and foster a deeper awareness of the values and deep bonds of friendship of the Filipino people.

“An Open Door” tells the story of how the Philippines, during the late 1930s to 1941 under the leadership of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, provided temporary refuge for around 1,300 European Jews. It featured interviews of scholars, researchers, children and spouses of the refugees, and two surviving “Manilaners” who gave testimonials of how the Philippines made it possible for them and other Jewish regufees to escape the Holocaust. The film was directed by Mr. Izon and co-produced with Joe Mantegna of Acquaviva Productions, Sharon Delmendo and Michael Michael Haaran. It is tentatively scheduled for a screening in Moscow in May 2018 at the Documentary Film Center of Moscow and Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center. END

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