PH Embassy in South Africa Hosts Inaugural Philippine Film Festival

Participants eagerly listen to the introduction of “Insiang.” (Pretoria PE photo)

PRETORIA 04 December 2024 – Philippine cinema took the spotlight during the inaugural Philippine Film Festival (PFF) which the Embassy of the Philippines in Pretoria organized from 26 to 29 November 2024 at the Embassy conference room.

With the theme Pelikula: A Celebration of Philippine Cinema, the flagship cultural activity sought to tap into the potent power of film diplomacy to introduce the Philippines and its culture to the South African people. Furthermore, the activity aims to foster greater awareness of the South African people on the Philippines’ vibrant film culture.

For the duration of the event, the Embassy held one-time screenings of carefully curated Filipino films, including Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (Goyo: The Young General) by Jerrold Tarog; Insiang by the late Philippine National Artist for Film Catalino “Lino” Brocka; Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok (The Woman Behind the Tattoo Artist) by Lauren Sevilla Faustino; and Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap (The Colors of Forgotten Dreams) by Jose Javier Reyes.

The event brought together a diverse group of attendees such as students, academics, diplomats, friends of the Embassy, as well as members of the Filipino community. Before each screening, First Secretary and Consul Maurice Tiempo pictured out the context to help attendees better understand and appreciate the featured films. His introduction of Insiang and The Colors of Forgotten Dreams, he highlighted the Philippines’ strong cinematic traditions of social realism and melodrama.

Reflecting on the successful outcome of the film festival, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja remarked that “the PFF offered a special platform for the Embassy to showcase, share and honor the country’s diverse and rich cinematic cultures to the host country and its people. Film has the transformative power to enhance cultural and people-to-people understanding between the Philippines and South Africa.”

The event was made possible through the valuable support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) under its Philippine Embassies Assistance Program, as well as the producer of Goyo, TBA Studios. The Embassy also received generous funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural Diplomacy for the event. END

First Secretary and Consul Maurice Tiempo introduces the film “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok.” (Pretoria PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph or https://facebook.com/PHLinSouthAfrica/