Sentro Rizal Ottawa Highlights Filipino Family Ties During the First Filipino Film Caravan

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria addressing the audience. (Ottawa PE photo)

OTTAWA 17 September 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Canada, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), organized the first Filipino Film Caravan in Canada on 06 September 2024, held at Sentro Rizal Ottawa (SRO) - Mindanao Hall of the Embassy. The event is also part of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations and the observance of Philippine Film Industry Month.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Maria Andrelita Austria, noted the creativity and depth of Filipino filmmakers, who use their craft to express the Filipino spirit. Filipino films, though different in tone and subject matter, all resonate with the themes of identity and sacrifice—values that are deeply embedded in Filipino culture.

Ambassador Austria acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Filipino filmmakers as their works are more than just entertainment, but a bridge that connects us to our roots, wherever we may be in the world. Ambassador Austria further stated, “This is a time to recognize the incredible talent across all creative fields—our filmmakers, writers, artists, and many others who contribute to bringing our stories to life. By supporting our creative industries, we ensure that our culture continues to thrive and that our narratives reach not just our communities but a global audience.”

SRO showcased three (3) critically acclaimed Filipino films of various genres, with English subtitles, - Finding Angelina by Redeen Fajardo, Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap by Jose Javier Reyes, and Oppa-Wikan by Tracy Nicolette Tang and Hanz Florentino. 

Members of the Filipino-Canadian communities from Ottawa and Montreal, Quebec, attended the event. They were delighted to have watched films in different dialects aside from Tagalog. The short film Finding Angelina was in Kapampangan, while Oppa-Wikan’s used Bisaya. 

Filipino Film Caravan is part of Philippine Posts in Canada's Common Cultural Calendar spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto. It is made possible through the partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines under its Philippine Embassies Assistance Program (PEAP). END

Audience while watching Finding Angelina. (Ottawa PE photo)

Members of the Filipino-Canadian community from Ottawa and Montreal during the screening of the Filipino Film Caravan. (Ottawa PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.ca, https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/ or https://twitter.com/PHinCanada.