16 July 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Athens, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, hosted a Filipino film screening of “Emir” on July 13 at the Philippine Embassy.

The members of the Filipino community enjoyed watching the movie. They were also touched by the story of Amelia.

Emir is a full-feature Filipino movie musical set in a fictional emirate in the Middle East. It tells the story of a Filipina yaya (nanny), Amelia, who decides to work abroad to help her family. She takes care of the Sheik’s wife who is about to give birth, and later acts as the yaya to the newly-born Ahmed, the Sheik’s eldest son.

Amelia sees Ahmed growing up, rearing him, and in the process, introducing the young boy to the culture, values, and language of the Philippines. A war ensues and an evacuation of the royal family is ordered, but it is too late.

In the ensuing turmoil, Amelia saves Ahmed and escapes to the desert. They become separated and Amelia is forced to go back to the Philippines, unappreciated for the heroism she had done. 

The film won the 2011 FAP Awards for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Editing; Won 2011 Golden Screen Awards (Philippines) for Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Motion Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Original Song, Best Production Design, Best Sound, Best Story, and Best Breakthrough Performance. The film also won the Star Awards for Movies for Best Cinematographer, Best Musical Scorer, Best Original Screenplay and Best Movie Theme Song in 2011. END