PH Designated as ‘Country of Focus’ at 2018 Busan Int’l Film Fest
Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, together with his wife Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez, join the Philippine delegation, led by Film Development Council Chairperson Liza Dino-Seguerra, at the 23rd Busan International Film Festival Red Carpet event on 04 October 2018. (Seoul PE photo)
BUSAN 15 October 2018 – The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of the most significant film festivals in Asia, has recognized and given honor to the Philippines by designating it the ‘Country of Focus’ for year 2018.
As the ‘Country of Focus,’ Philippine cinema was highlighted in a number of activities and events during the weeklong festival. This includes the launching of the commemorative book published by the BIFF, entitled “Centennial Anniversary of the Philippine Cinema.”
This will also stage BIFF’s Special Program titled “Cinema as a Response to the Nation” which features Philippine movie classics such as Lamberto V. Avellana’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” (1965), Eddie Romero’s “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976), Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” (1976), Fernando Poe Jr.’s “Ang Panday” (1980), Lino Brocka’s “Cain at Abel” (1982), Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Moral” (1982), Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” (1982), Mike de Leon’s “Bayaning 3rd World” (2000), Chito Roño’s “Dekada ’70” (2002), and Remton Siega Zuasola’s “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria” (2010).
At the “Window on Asian Cinema” event of the BIFF, the Philippine films being showcased include Mike de Leon’s “Citizen Jake”, Brillante Ma Mendoza’s “Alpha, The Right to Kill”, Alec Figuracion’s “The Eternity Between Seconds”, Dwein Baltazar’s “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus”, Chito Roño’s “Signal Rock”, and the omnibus “Lakbayan,” by Lav Diaz, Brillante Ma Mendoza and Kidlat Tahimik.
Meanwhile, part of the “Wide Angle Short Film Showcase” are Joji Alonso’s “Last Order” and Stephen Lee’s “Manila is Full of Men Named Boy.” Kevin Piamonte’s “Land from God” is part of the “Wide Angle Documentary Showcase.”
The 23rd BIFF opened on 04 October 2018 with a red capet event and an opening ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center in downtown Busan. Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez and his wife Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez joined the Philippine delegation on the red carpet.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), headed by its Chairperson Liza Dino-Seguerra, led the Philippine delegation to the BIFF, which included Filipino actors Piolo Pascual, Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Joel Torre, Max Collins, filmmakers Kidlat Tahimik, Brillante Mendoza, Joyce Bernal, Remton Siega Zuasola, Manunuri member Tito Valiente, and FPJ Productions’ vice president Jeffrey Sonora.
On 07 October, tbe FDCP hosted the “Philippine Night” to introduce Philippine delegates to international partners for exposure and possible collaborations.
In his remarks at the Philippine Night, Ambassador Hernandez, who served as guest of honor, lauded Philippine filmmakers and artists for being catalysts for change.
“You inspire and encourage people to reach beyond their grasps. Through your work, you can rouse your audience to think and feel deeply, pursue excellence, and contribute to the community. Artists serve a very important function in society and this is very true in the Philippines,” the Ambassador emphasized.
He also called on the Philippine government and other non-government groups to continue supporting Philippine Cinema to ensure the success of Philippine cinema in the long-term.
“I hope that this trend will continue into the future, as the success of the Philippine film industry is the success of the entire country,” the Ambassador added. END
Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino-Seguerra, and Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez join the Philippine delegation to the 23rd BIFF at the Philippine Night on 07 October 2018. Ambassador Hernandez was the guest of honor. (FDCP photo)
For more information, visit www.seoulpe.dfa.gov.ph / www.philembassy-seoul.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinKorea/.