Sinehan sa Summer 2019 in New York Draws Rave Reviews
Philippine Consulate General in New York Consul Arman R. Talbo welcomes film enthusiasts and guests during the opening of the Sinehan sa Summer 2019 held on 01 August 2019 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 30 August 2019 — Sinehan sa Summer 2019, the eighth edition of the Philippine Consulate General in New York's flagship program, which ran every Thursday of August received overwhelming positive reviews from film-goers.
Held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, Sinehan sa Summer 2019 opened with the 1961 multi-awarded film “Noli Me Tangere” on 01 August 2019 which was produced by Antonio Riva and directed by National Artist for Film Gerardo de Leo. More than 120 guests attended the first day of screening which was co-sponsored by Knights of Rizal -New York, Metropolitan New York, and Long Island Chapters and the Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. (HTFI).
Consul Arman R. Talbo thanked the screening committee members - Gil Quito, Fiel Zabat and Paolo Bitanga - for their continuous support of the annual event and also expressed gratitude to the many Fil-Am organizations that have supported the Sinehan through the years.
During the second night on 08 August 2019, the Philippine Center New York’s Kalayaan Hall was jam-packed, turning the night into a standing room only event as more than 170 film-goers came for the screening of the 12 short films.
The 12 featured short films, directed by Filipino and Filipino-American upcoming film-makers, were Joey Agbayani’s “Lola,” Carlo Francisco Manatad’s “Jodilerks Dela Cruz: Employee of the Month,” Craig Nisperos’ “Mr. Immature,” Jameelah Rose Lineses’ “Atareek,” Gabby Malvar’s “Walis,” Joel Ruiz’s “Mansyon,” Nicole Dizon’s “Boxed,” Raymund Eugenio’s “Mukbang Masarap,” Emma Noelle Buhain’s “Wedding Dance,” Mika Fabella & Rafael Froilan’s “Yakap,” Wester Demandante’s “Kaaway,” and Rommel Tolentino’s “P.” The trailer of the film “Yellow Rose” directed by Diane Paragas was played at the beginning of the film screening.
The short films received overwhelming positive reviews from the audience which is a mix of Filipino, Filipino-Americans, and mainstream Americans. One described some of the films as “thought-provoking.” “Lola,” “Mansyon,” and “P” elicited good laughter from the audience.
Sinehan sa Summer also showcased Mamang” a Denise O’hara film that won the 2019 Gawad Urian Best Direction Winner and also won Best Feature Film at the 2019 Dhaka International Film Festival on 15 August, and another set of 13 short films from Cinemalaya, Victory Liner, and selected entries from young film makers were screened on 22 August.
The last film “Kung Paano Siya Nawala” won the 2019 FAMAS award for Outstanding Achievement in Editing and was a nominee for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Leading Role and Achievement in Directing was screened on 29 August. END
The Members of the Screening Committee (second and third from left) Gil Quito and Fiel Zabat and the Consulate General’s Cultural and Community Relations team led by Consul Talbo (center). (New York PCG photo)
Lineup of shortfilms screened during the second night of Sinehan sa Summer 2019 at the Philippine Center New York (New York PCG photo)
(From left) Craig Nisperos, Jameelah Rose Lineses, Nicole Dizon, Raymund Eugenio, Gil Quito, and Dianne Paragas during the talk back at the first Short Films Night on 08 August 2019. (New York PCG photo)
Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal (8th from right) is flanked by (from left) Consul Arman Talbo, Mr. Nisperos, Ms. Lineses, Ms. Dizon, Mr. Eugenio, Ms. Quito, Ms. Paragas, Rely Manacay of CDO-MISOR, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate and Roel Medrano of FAAE. (New York PCG photo)
Kalayaan Hall is jam-packed during the 2nd night of Sinehan sa Summer 2019. (New York PCG photo)
Reception at the Philippine Center Lobby before the start of the film screening. (New York PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.