03 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Amman in partnership with the Royal Film Commission of Jordan and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), held Filipino Film Days 2014 from June 4 to 6 at the Rainbow Theatre in downtown Amman.  The event featured the award-winning films, “Tanging Yaman” on June 4, “Himala” on June 5 and “Anak” on June 6.  This was the very first time that Filipino films were shown for public viewing in Jordan.

The event officially opened with a simple reception on June 4, attended by Jordanian film enthusiasts, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Filipino community in Amman, where biko, chicken adobo, Sky flakes crackers and hot salabat were served.  All Embassy staff and their families, including Philippine Overseas Labor Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Office (POLO/OWWA) personnel, were present during the three-day viewing.  The event was also covered by Saudi News, including the interview with Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Olivia Palala.

Around 150 guests attended the three-day event. The guests expressed their appreciation of the films and lauded the Philippine film industry for its depiction of Filipino culture, family values, religious traditions and the strength of Filipinos, especially the film “Anak,” with which the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Jordan were able to relate.  Brazilian Ambassador Renate Stille remarked on the courage that was shown by the Philippine Embassy in presenting to the Jordanian audience films with strong religious undertones,  particularly those shown in the movies, “Himala” and “Tanging Yaman.”

The Embassy intends to hold this event annually as part of the celebration of Philippine Independence, in view of the overwhelming positive feedback and public appreciation, as well as to educate the local community on the richness of Philippine culture through films.  END