27 January 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka hosted a cocktail reception in honor of the Philippine delegation to the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) on January 20.

Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo, his wife and the Embassy officers and staff welcomed the delegation to the Philippine Chancery. It was followed by a reception held at Ascott Palace Hotel where the group was introduced to the members of the Filipino community. 

Ambassador Bandillo expressed to the delegation his appreciation for their efforts and initiative in promoting the Philippines through their participation in international events like the DIFF. He also expressed a commitment to sustained support for activities that promote Filipino cinema and announced the Embassy’s plan to hold a film festival highlighting the delegation’s film entries in the DIFF and other Philippine productions.

The delegation was composed of producers, filmmakers and an actor representing their respective Philippine film entries in the DIFF. From approximately 170 films submitted by participants from 60 countries to this year’s festival, six entries from the Philippines were short-listed, with the film “Sekyu” (The Guard) by Dir. Joel Lamangan as a main competition entry. Other Philippine films that made it to the festival screening were “Konsensya” by Dir. Elyza Esquivel, “Magkaka Baung” (The Coffin Maker) by Dir. Jason Paul Laxamana, “Above the Clouds” by Dir. Pepe Diokno, “My Life with a King” by Dir. Carlo Enciso Catu and “Child Haus” by Dir. Luisito Ignacio.

At the end of the function, the delegation thanked the Philippine Embassy and Filipino community for the warm welcome given to them and expressed their openness to coordinating with the Embassy in organizing a Philippine film festival.

The DIFF is the largest and most prestigious film event in Bangladesh held biennially. It provides a platform for the celebration of the art of cinematography in the Bangladesh film industry and establishes opportunities for collaboration through the sharing of creations among filmmakers and film enthusiasts around the world. The 14th DIFF was held from January 14 to 23. END