A Piece of Paradise, Ati-Atihan Lives, Dancing Manilenyos Screened in Toronto

TORONTO 04 April 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, led by Deputy Consul General Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, accompanied by Cultural Officer Cecilia Santos and Consular Assistant Oliver Baranda, attended the screening of movies by York University-Department of Dance Associate Professor Dr. Patrick Alcedo.

The Consulate General officials and staff watched “A Piece of Paradise” at the Kaneff Tower of York University on 25 February 2019. The movie, produced, written and directed by Dr. Alcedo, won two Jury Awards at the 2017 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, the National Bank Best First Feature Film, and the Centennial Best Canadian Film.

“A Piece of Paradise” captures the everyday lives of three Filipinas, Norlyn, Em-Em, and Betsy, as they navigate living and working in Toronto while dreaming of the day, they can visit the Philippines again. They have their own struggles, but they are resilient, knowing that their faith, community and especially their sense of humor will help them through the challenges.

The Consulate General also attended the screening of two other films of Dr. Alcedo, “Ati-Atihan Lives” and “Dancing Manilenyos: Dance, Ethnography and Documentary”, at the Nat Taylor Cinema at York University Keele Campus.

“Ati-Atihan Lives” is an intimate and absorbing 55-minute documentary film of the religious celebration of Ati-Atihan, its festivities, and participants. Meanwhile, “Dancing Manilenyos” is a 20-minute testament to the uplifting power of ballet among disenfranchised Filipino youth in the Philippines. END

A question and answer with the director Dr. Patrick Alcedo and casts followed the screening. (Toronto PCG photo)

The cast of the film: Seated, from right, are Norlyn Relente and son Darelle, Femme Carillo-Teruel (Em-Em).  Standing, from left, are  Joe Rene Teruel (Bimboy), husband of Em-Em, carrying their new baby Victoria Feonne Teruel, and Miguel Joeffe Teruel, son of Em-Em who was still a baby in the film, is carried by the film’s producer, writer and director Dr. Patrick Alcedo. (Toronto PCG photo)

Cast and Guests at the Screening of A Piece of Paradise (Toronto PCG photo)

For more information, visit www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph, www.philcongen-toronto.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinToronto/.