AUTHENTICATIONFilipino Films Resonate with Russian and Foreign Movie Enthusiasts
Left photo: Members of the Filipino Community in Moscow join other movie enthusiasts just before the showing of “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left) at the 39th Moscow International Film Festival on June25, 2017. Righ photot: Poster of the 39th Moscow International Film Festival
30 June 2017 MOSCOW — Award-winning Filipino films “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left) and “Motherland” were a hit among Russian and other film enthusiast during the 39th Moscow International Film Festival from June 22 to 29.
“Tickets to the two Filipino films at the festival were sold out, but because of strong demand, the organizers allowed more movie goers into the movie house who had to stand or sit along the aisles,” said Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta.
“Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left) is a drama shot in black-and-white, written, produced, edited, and directed by Lav Diaz, while “Motherland” is a documentary directed, produced, written and co-edited by Ramona S. Diaz.
“I think these two films resonated well with the Russian audience. Ang Babaeng Humayo in particular carries themes that Russians can relate to as it was inspired by the short story ‘God Sees the Truth, But Waits’ by Leo Tolstoy,” said the Ambassador.
While the two films were exhibited as non-competitors, “the festival provided a great opportunity for the Russian public to appreciate Philippine talent, creativity and capabilities when it comes to films.
The Moscow International Film Festival started in 1935 and is one of the oldest in the world. It was interrupted by World War II and by certain policies of the former Soviet Union. Over the past 20 years the Festival Jury was headed by the leading world film personalities Richard Gere, Theo Angelopoulos, Margarethe von Trotta, Alan Parker, Gleb Panfilov, Fred Schepisi, Luc Besson, Geraldine Chaplin, Héctor Babenco, Pavel Lungin, Mohsen Makhmalbaf.
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph. END
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