FOR the 22nd year, the French Film Festival in Manila will treat moviegoers to critically acclaimed feature films, which provide a mirror into French society.
From June 9 to 17, the festival continues this tradition at the Ayala Malls Cinemas in Greenbelt 3 and the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) Central Square Cinemas by offering 13 French films that will immerse Filipinos in a different form of storytelling that portrays French values, culture and language.
It will also pay homage to Filipino films selected at the Cannes Film Festival, which incidentally is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2017. On June 12, Independence Day, the following films will be screened: Nakaw, directed by Noel Escondo and Arvin Belarmino (Short Film Corner, 2017); Ma’ Rosa by Brillante Mendoza (Main Competition, Best Actress Award, 2016); On the Job by Erik Matti (Director’s Fortnight, 2013); and Anino by Raymond Red (Short Film Corner, Palme d’Or for Best Short Film, 2000).
For the first time ever, the French Film Festival will dedicate one weekend for “plein air”, or free public outdoor screenings, at Circuit Makati on June 17 and 18, 2017.
Similar to last year, tickets for screenings at the cinemas of Greenbelt 3 and BHS are priced at P100 and may be purchased at the ticket counter, or online via www.sureseats.com.
In recognition of 70 years of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines and his achievements in film, Mendoza has been invited by Institut Français as the “parrain” (godfather) of the La Fabrique Cinéma, a mentorship program for 10 up-and-coming filmmakers and producers from emerging economies.
Conscious of the cinematic achievements of Mendoza, who received the Cannes Best Director Award in 2009 for Kinatay and the Cannes Best Actress Award for Jose’s role in his 2016 film, Ma’ Rosa, the French government formally recognized him as Chevalier (Knight) in the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2013.
This year the Cannes Film Festival once again served as a venue for institutional exchanges between French and Philippine film agencies. Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Liza Diño discussed ways to intensify cooperation and exchange with its French counterpart, the Centre national du cinema et de l’image animée and Unifrance, the French agency responsible for the promotion of French films worldwide. The meetings aimed to encourage French-Philippine coproductions.
Since Director Red received the Palme d’Or for his short film Anino in 2000, Filipino films have consistently been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, whose primary aim is to provide a venue to promote cultural diversity through film. While the likes of Mendoza and Lav Diaz are regulars at Cannes, this year’s festival featured a new generation of Filipino filmmakers. Director Carlo Manatad, who was a participant at last year’s La Fabrique Cinéma, presented his short film Jodilerks: Employee of the Month starring Angeli Bayani at the Semaine de la Critique, while Arvin Belarmino and Noel Escondo screened Nakaw at the Short Films Corner.
These filmmakers represent the future of Philippine cinema, and through continued bilateral exchanges in the audiovisual field, France reiterates its commitment to contribute to this “booming” sector in the country.