21 March 2014- Independent film “Nuwebe” by Filipino director Joseph Israel M. Laban is among
the 145 indie and experimental films and documentaries featured and competing in the 13th edition of the Rome Independent Film Festival (RIFF) from March 16 to 23 at the Nuovo Cinema Aquila in Rome.
Inspired by the actual story of one of the youngest mothers in Philippine history, “Nuwebe” follows the story of Krista who at the tender age of nine got pregnant from the sexual abuse perpetrated by her own father.
In his remarks during the official launch of the 2014 RIFF, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. said that while it may seem to the audience that the film “Nuwebe” is about an extreme case of sex abuse and violence, a closer look at Mr. Laban’s film would show that it focuses on the strength of the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity.
“As you will see in the film, Krista refuses to see herself as a victim. Despite her situation, she demonstrates an incredible level of resilience and determination to overcome the trauma of her past,” said Ambassador Reyes in Italian to the film makers and RIFF judges present.
Since its first edition in 2001, RIFF has become an event that is followed with great interest by the public in Rome and a range of worldwide filmmakers.
Over these years, the RIFF has received works coming from the 5 continents, thus becoming a venue and a witness to the directions and passions of the independent film industry. This year’s RIFF features 150 Films from 45 countries competing for the RIFF awards.
While some independent Filipino films featured in movie festivals may tend to focus on the seamy and sordid side of the Philippine life, Ambassador Reyes assured the audience that the greater majority of Filipinos are law-abiding citizens and that is possible to lead peaceful, productive lives all throughout the Philippines.
“That is why our Ministry of Tourism has projected the slogan, ‘It’s more Fun in the Philippines,’” he explained.
More information on the RIFF is found at www.riff.it/en/. END