PH Embassy in France, FDCP Promote Filipino Films at the 29th Festival International des Cinemas d'Asia (FICA)
Philippine Ambassador to France Junever M. Mahilum-West (fifth from the right), festival founders and organizers Jean-Marc and Martine Therouanne (right of the Ambassador), and FDCP Education Division Head Ms. Rica Arevalo (left of the Ambassador) pose with (from left to right) Consul Joyce Camacho Quivooij, Leo Katigbak, roundtable moderator Flavien Ponce, Zig Dulay, Mikahil Red and Sheron Dayoc at the Philippine Roundtable. (FDCP photo)
PARIS 14 March 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in France led by Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West supported the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) efforts to promote Philippine cinema at the 29th International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas (29th Festival International des Cinema d’Asie or FICA) at the Majestic Theatre in Vesoul, France.
FICA was held from 28 February to 7 March 2023. It is currently the sole French film festival featuring only Asian films. The Philippines was chosen as a spotlight country along with Singapore in 2023.
Cinephiles were treated to 13 Filipino films curated by the FDCP. Among them were classics such as A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by Lamberto Avellana; Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos by Mario O'Hara and Cain and Abel by Lino Brocka. More contemporary creations of the new generation of filmmakers were also featured including: Women of the Weeping River by Sheron Dayoc; Neomanila by Mikhail Red and Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay.
Brilliante Mendoza’s The Feast competed in the Fiction Feature Film category against eight other films.
In her opening remarks at the Philippine Roundtable on 04 March 2023 the Ambassador said that it was an honor to be chosen as a spotlight country especially during the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of PH and FR relations.
“Today, Philippine cinema continues to produce a diverse range of films that reflect the country's unique cultural identity and social issues” the Ambassador added.
The Philippine roundtable panel was composed of Leo Katigbak, Head of ABS-CBN Restoration, FDCP’s Education Division Head Ms. Rica Arevalo and filmmakers Sheron Dayoc, Mikhail Red, and Zig Dulay.
Topics discussed ranged from Philippine film restoration to challenges involving film production including funding and distribution, international recognition and the future of Philippine cinema.
On the evening of 04 March 2023 FDCP and the Philippine Embassy co-hosted Philippine Night which gathered filmmakers, volunteers and other guests at La Bambouseraie beside the Majestic Cinema.
More information on FICA including competition winners may be found here: https://www.cinemas-asie.com/en/
The year-long celebration of the 75th PH-FR relations will continue until 25 June 2023 END
Philippine Roundtable opening remarks by Ambassador Mahilum-West (third from right). (Paris PE photo)
From left to right: Consul Joyce Camacho Quivooij, Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West, FDCP Education Division Head Ms. Rica Arevalo and FDCP Program Officer po for International Festival Partnership Programs Micah Baccay before the screening of Sheron Dayoc’s Women of the Weeping River. (Paris PE photo)
