PH Embassy in Moscow Holds Film Screening in Observance of the 2024 National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day

(right photo) Philippine Ambassador Igor G. Bailen giving his remarks during the film screening. (left photo) Members of the Filipino community and Embassy personnel watching the film “Aria” during the 2024 National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day. (Moscow PE photo)

MOSCOW 14 March 2024 - The Philippine Embassy held a special screening of the film “Aria” on 10 March 2024 in observance of the 2024 National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day. The Film tells the story of a prewar zarzuela star who fell in love with a Communist ideologue and used her popularity to promote their group’s cause. It also navigates the evolution of the guerilla movement during the Japanese occupation that contributed to the nation’s quest for liberation. Aria puts the spotlight on Pampanga, its wealth, songs, and virtues. 

Mr. Robby Tantingco, Producer and Writer of the Film, mentioned in his video recorded message that the story is a tribute to “our unsung heroes, the Hukbalahap guerillas of World War II”. “Aria” bagged the best film award in the international feature films category of the fourth Lake City International Film Festival (IFF) held in Noida, Delhi, India (2019).

In his remarks, Ambassador Igor G. Bailen highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of building a “Bagong Pilipinas” and instituting reforms for the protection and advancement of Filipino women's rights. According to Ambassador Bailen, "ang 1paghimok ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sa ating mga kababaihan, maging pati sa mga kalalakihan, ang pagtanggol at pagtaguyod sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipina na malaya at matapang na gamitin ang kanyang tinig upang manindigan sa pag-unlad hindi lamang ng kanyang sarili kundi ng buong bansa sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas."

Eighty-nine members of the Filipino community and Embassy personnel attended the film screening, most of whom were women. The film was positively received by the audience, who expressed their appreciation for the Embassy’s initiatives for constantly organizing activities that are beneficial to their day to day lives.

In addition, the Philippine Embassy kicks off the week by wearing anything purple to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality. END

                       Members of the Filipino Community with Philippine Ambassador Igor G. Bailen (centermost) posing for a photo during the film screening. (Moscow PE photo)

                       Members of the Filipino Community with Philippine Ambassador Igor G. Bailen (fifth from right, front) posing for a photo during the film screening. (Moscow PE photo)

Embassy personnel wearing purple to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality during the film screening. (Moscow PE photo)

Embassy personnel wearing purple to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality during the film screening. (Moscow PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, https://twitter.com/phlinrussia or https://www.instagram.com/phlinrussia/.