25 November 2014 - Film lovers from the Philippines and Hong Kong community packed the opening night of the 5th Philippine Film Festival on November 14 at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre Theatre. The critically acclaimed film “Anak” (Child), starring actress and now Batangas governor, Ms. Vilma Santos, was shown as the opening night film.
“Anak” tells the story of a Filipino worker who left her family in the Philippines to take on a job as a household service worker in Hong Kong. Upon her return to the Philippines, she is met with resentment by her children. “Anak” was a heart-rending movie that moved viewers to tears.
Prior to the film screening, a cocktail reception was held with guests from the consular corps, academe, media, and the Filipino community. The event featured Filipino food and cocktails such as suman panna cotta, adobo and mango-ginger mojito.
This year’s festival pays tribute to overseas Filipino workers and features “Anak”, “Milan”, “Caregiver”, “Balikbayan Box” and “Purok 7”. Regular screening is on November 16 and 23.
The film festival is an annual activity of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR organized in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to promote the Philippine cinematic arts in Hong Kong.
The event was supported by Genting Hong Kong Limited, Smart-PLDT Hong Kong, San Miguel, Prime Credit and Destileria Limtuaco. END