Pelicula: 11th Spanish Film Festival

The 11th Película Spanish Film Festival, the largest celebration of Spanish and Latin American filmmaking in Asia and the Pacific, announces the line-ups for this year’s Official Selection, Documentary and Short films and Latin-American film gems program.

A selection of dramas and the hilarious sit alongside unabashed popular blockbusters - the celebration of Spanish and Latin American films will be delivered yet again at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas from October 4 to 14. Specific times and ticketing information are available on the Festival website, www.pelicula.ph or in the Instituto Cervantes Facebook page.

The films in this year’s competitions include several Asian premiers and the audience choice winner will be announced at on October 14. Alongside the movie screenings at the Greenbelt 3 mall will be a meet-and-greet with Filipinos by renowned Spanish director Alberto Rodríguez on October 8. Considered to be as one of the most widely-known directors in Spain, Rodríguez directed 7 vírgenes in 2005 which premiered in the San Sebastian Film Festival, receiving positive reviews and ultimately garnering 6 nominations for the Goya Awards.

Official Selection

Festival organizers selected 16 films remarkable for their original concept, striking style, and overall excellence. Multi-awarded films like Arrugas, Madrid 1987, and the Spanish horror thriller film Mientras duermes (Sleep Tight) make their Philippine premier at the film festival.

Other films include the contemporary film noir No habrá paz para los malvados (No rest for the wicked) and the gritty realistic thriller Grupo 7 (Unit 7) about a group of cops who break all the rules to clean up Spain’s ghettos in the 80’s. The film has also made it to Spain's three-pic shortlist for its foreign-language Oscar candidate this year.

This year’s official line-up are:

Donde el olor del mar no llega by Lilián Rosado
Un cuento chino by Sebastián Borensztein (Argentina, 2011)
Dos Hermanos by (Argentina, 2012)
Arrugas by Ignacio Ferreras (Animation, Spain, 2011)
No habrá paz para los malvados (No rest for the wicked) by E. Urbizu (Spain, 2011)
Grupo 7 (Unit 7) by Alberto Rodríguez (Spain, 2011)
After by Alberto Rodríguez (Spain, 2009)
Mientras duermes (Sleep Tight) by Jaume Balagueró (Spain, 2011)
Katmandú by Icíar Bollaín (Spain, 2011)
Lo mejor de Eva (Dark Impulse) by Mariano Barroso (Spain, 2012)
Madrid, 1987 by David Trueba (Spain, 2011)
Pa negre by Agustí Villaronga (Spain, 2010)
La chispa de la vida by Álex de la Iglesia (Spain, 2012)
5 metros cuadrados by Max Lemcke (Spain, 2011)
18 comidas by Jorge Coira (Spain- Argentina, 2010)
80 egunean by Jon Garaño and Jose Mari Goenaga (Spain, 2010)

Documentary and Short-Films Entrees

Película organizers have also selected two films for this year’s documentary line-up that are both unscripted and uncut. The Festival will also feature an unparalleled line-up of nine contemporary Basque short films. This year’s entrees are:

Hollywood Talkies by Oscar Pérez
Jacques Leonard, el payo by Chac Yago Leonard
Ámár by Isabel Herguera
Artalde / Rebaño / Flock by Asier Altuna
La cortadora de margaritas by Enrique García, Rubén Salazar
Exhibition 19 by Alaitz Arenzana, María Ibarretxe
La gran carrera by Kote Camacho
Korosho (Todo Bien) by Miguel Ángel Jiménez
Un novio de mierda by Borja Cobeaga
Ondar Ahoak (Bocas de arena) by Angel Aldarondo
El premio by León Siminiani 

 About Película Spanish Film Festival

Película, The Spanish and Latin American Film Festival is part of the month-long celebrations known as Fiesta, the Spanish Festival for Culture and the Arts. It is organized by the Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish Cultural Center in Manila, together with the Embassy of Spain. This year’s ¡Fiesta! features a stirring array of films and dance and music as presented by leading international artists. The month-long festivities are meant to highlight the commemoration of Spain’s National Day on October 12.

Película is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in cooperation with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, Spanish Agency International Cooperation for Development (AECID), Film Development Council of the Philippines, Greenbelt, Ayala Malls Cinemas, San Miguel Corporation, Sony, and Manila Contemporary.

Special thanks to Alba, Espa-Fil, Qatar Airways, Indra, Embassy of the Argentine Republic, Picasso Boutique Hotel and Centunion.

 
Contact Details:

For more information, please call (63 2) 526-1482 or visit: http://manila.cervantes.es or www.pelicula.ph

A Day of Korean Culture, Food and Film

Yesterday was such a fun-filled day, a different experience indeed- a day of Korean culture, food and film. Two relevant Korean events in just one day, Chef's Noodle Grand Launch in the morning then Korean Film Festival Opening Night :)

 

I'm a Chef's Noodle Fan!

Chef's Noodle Grand Launch was flocked with fans (customers), media people both from traditional and online media, celebrities and even the guys behind the successful franchise company that flew from Korea! 

The program started with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Chef's Noodle Phils franchise owner, Chef's Noodle Korean owner, Celebrity Chef Choi In Sun and the celebrities - Grace Lee and the Semerad Twins.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Korean visitors - the Korean owner of Chef's Noodle and Celebrity Chef Choi In Sun being interviewed by GMA News.

The Semerad Twins - Anthony and David. 
OMG! They are so tall!  
Their height?!  6'5"

The Semerad Twins had a Demigod tattoo on their pelvic area, both of them have it and I wonder if they really consider themselves as a Demigod?!

Demigod - a mythological figure of a half God and a half human.

Chef's Noodle Philippines Endorser Ms. Grace Lee with the Korean owner and Celebrity Chef Choi In Sun

The very important persons of the event sitting at the press conference table. 

Autograph signing of the celebrities on the t-shirts given to the attendees of the event.

Time for a Korean lunch!

Everyone had a satisfying lunch!
Thank you Chef's Noodle Philippines and Korea :)


Late in the afternoon when we headed into the Korean Film Festival Opening Night held at the Cinema 4 of SM Megamall. I started attending the film festival since 2009 so I am an avid fan of Korean films as well! Since it was still early and not yet too crowdy, I had the chance to get my photo ops of the event at their photo booth :)

Things get a little hot after 30 minutes as the invited guests and media were also coming up in the event.

The ambassador and other people from the Korean Embassy were also present in the opening night. 

A dinner of Korean and Filipino dishes were served before the film screening.

A long queue for dinner and the photo booth! 
Can you spot me in the crowd?! ;)

Leaflets of the Korean Film Festival with the schedule and film synopses. 
Jeon Woo Chi was the Korean film screened during the opening night around 7:15pm and it was a 2-hour movie!  I really like the film since its a drama/comedy-fantasy genre that even other film buffs and K-Pop fans enjoyed it watching too!

It was a long day of Korean culture but it was all worthwhile and fun :)
I look forward into the Korean Film Festival next year! 
Kamsa hamnida! 

CINE EUROPA: 15 Years + 3 More Cities

The 15th edition of the Cine Europa Film Festival will open with a splash at Shangri-La Plaza on 5 September including a performance by the Manila String Quartet, a painting exhibition by local artists and the screening of the movie "Upperdog",  to mark the inclusion for the first time of a movie from Norway.

To mark its fifteenth year, Cine Europa will draw on its collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to double the numbe rof film Festival locations from three to six.  In addition to keeping its long-standing tradition of screenings at:

• Shangri-La Plaza (6 to 16 September)
• Ayala Center in Cebu (21 to 24 September)
• Liceo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro (27 to 30 September)

Cine Europa 15 will then continue in three other cities:

• FDCP Cinemateque, Davao ( 4 to 7 October);
• FDCP Cinemateque, Baguio (11 to 14 October), and
• FDCP Cinemateque, Iloilo (18 to 21 October)

To further mark the special occassion, the organisers of Cine Europa are for the first time tapping the resources of the Independent Film Cooperative (IFC) to enhance further the educational component of the festival with round table discussions with prominent film personalities and experts exploring the links between European and Filipino films while also offering screenings of selected Filipino movies with European connections.

Back to back with the European films, Cine Europa will show on September 8, 1pm at the Shang's Premiere Theater, "Paglipad ng Anghel", a movie by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., and a documentary film titled "Kano".

On 15 September at 1pm, "Bakal Boys", considered as the most awarded Filipino film in 2009, winning awards in Thessaloniki, Greece; Torino, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain International Film Festivals, will be featured; and at 4pm, "MNL 143", the movie premiered in the Edinburgh film festival last July 2012 will follow.

From just 11 films in 1998, Cine Europa will now present 21 films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Admission is free for all screenings at all locations between 6 September and 21 October.
The Manila leg of Cine Europa will open with the movie "Upperdog", which tackles multiculturalism from the experiences of two young Koreans adopted by two different families from Oslo.  Directed by Sarah Johnsen, "Upperdog" received various "Amanda" awards - the equivalent of Oscars in Norway.  In Cebu, the festival will open with the Italian movie by Bernanrdo Bertolucci, "L'Ultimo Imperatore" (The Last Emperor).

For complete line-up of films and synopses, please click here

Julian Vassallo, Political Counsellor at the European Union Delegation to the Philippines said that:

Cine Europa 15 is first and foremost an opportunity for Filipinos to enjoy a taste of Europe's particular cinematic traditions.  It is also an opportunity for us Europeans to wear our heart on our sleeve and share our hopes, fears and dreams with our Filipino friends.

This year's educational component and the screening of select Filipino movies will also explore the links between the European and Filipino cinema which are deeper than many may think.  Educational round tables will tackle different aspects of cinematic art while information will be made available on Filipino filmmakers may be able to access European funds.

The Manila edition of Cine Europa will be inaugurated by the Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, Lubomir Frebort, in the presence of Euroepan Ambassadors and Consuls as well as Ms. Lala Fojas, Executive Vice President and Genereal Manager of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation.

Cine Europa 15 is organised by the European Union Cultural Group in Manila which gathers together the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of the European Union.  The Embassies of Norway and Switzerland, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Independent Film Cooperative, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall (Manila), Arts Council of Cebu and Liceo de Cagayan de Oros (Mindanao)are partners of Cine Europa 15.

KLM royal Dutch Airlines supports Cine Europa 15, and has kindly donated one economy class return ticket to Europe to be raffled amongst those attending any of the screenings of Cine Europa.  It is also a pleasure to acknowledge and thank our new partners: Inquirer.net and Travelife Magazine.

Special Forces Movie: Press Conference and Advance Screening

I am very lucky to be one of the few bloggers who were invited to the Press Conference of Special Forces last June 8, 2012 (Friday), 5:30pm at the IMAX Theatre while the Advanced Screening of Special Forces movie was held at the Cinema 1 of SM Mall of Asia.
  
I thought I can bring along my sister Catherine because most of the previous advance screenings I have attended usually I get two (2) invites since my sister works in the call center near the Mall of Asia. Its okay because during the event, I met a new friend who's also a blogger and a film buff like me :)

Special Forces Advance Screening Invitation

IMAX Theatre 

This is the first time for SM Cinema to welcome a French Director in Manila like  
Stephane' Ribojad, the director of Special Forces movie. He was escorted by Mr. Macalintal, the Filipino representative for the Audio-Visual from the French Embassy (as his interpreter)  and Mr. Gilles Garachon, Ambassador of France to the Philippines.

Welcome banner

Pizza Hut Bistro as caterer of the event

During the press conference, Stephane' Ribojad felt so special because of the warm welcome and hospitality of the Filipinos.  Stephane' Ribojad said that, "I like the Philippines because the people seemed to be always happy and smiling."

Stephane' Ribojad has made more than 150 documentary films so his film Special Forces is not the first one. I can conclude that its one of the best films he has ever made and with a great cast of stars and cinematography. 

Rep.  Macalintal (right) and Stephane' Ribojad (left)

He expressed that, "There are no magic tricks in this film. Actors were trained by real Special Forces. They went through temperature changes (extremely hot to extremely cold), sleeping in tents, etc. Everything is real. It was shot in the Himalayas."

Stephane' Ribojad also mentioned that, "Philippines is a good location for film making. It is wild and rich in diversity, an archipelago that is fit for shooting a film which we don't have in France. I am attracted by Asia and I want to come back in the Philippines."

Rep.  Macalintal (right) and Stephane' Ribojad (left)

Special Forces is an English documentary-film which stars Diane Kruger as Elsa Casanova together with other French and Afghan actors. The movie is about the fate of a war correspondent Elsa Casanova, that lies in the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan who held her hostage and the Special Forces unit dispatched to rescue her. 

The movie has been dedicated to the fallen French soldiers and war reporters from other countries who have risked their lives during the Afghanistan war a few years ago.  

Mr. Stephane' Ribojad, director of the movie and Mr. Gilles Garachon, Ambassador of France to the Philippines joined in this special screening to share more insights about the film as well as the France and Philippines intercultural enrichment that sprouts from various activities including film screenings like this.  Thanks to Ferds Bondoy of Tatak Digista, who has invited me to this event and last but not the least, many thanks to SM Cinema, Pioneer Films and Philippine Star whom are the major sponsors for this successful event. 

Sophia with Stephane' Ribojad (director)

Citi-Rustan’s French Film Festival

With a strong following comprised of film aficionados, culture enthusiasts, everyday moviegoers and mall shoppers, the Citi-Rustan’s French Film Fest returns to Shangri-La Plaza from June 7 to 17 at the Shang Cineplex. 

Seventeen of France’s most-loved film feats await cinephiles this year, which includes a seven-film retrospect on director-extraordinaire Olivier Assayas, one of the first European directors to pay attention to Asian films; and an eight-film treat from L’Institut Francais.

The festival opens with no less than the 2012 Academy award-winning movie The Artist, a black-and-white silent film that follows the life of George Valentin - a Hollywood silent film star - whose career has come to a close due to the collapse of the silent film industry. He attempts to revive his career by financing his own picture, which opens against a talkie starring up-and-coming young dancer Peppy Miller, who he develops a fascination for. 

Kicking off the streak of Assayas films is L’Eau froide (Cold Water), a story that revolves around the individual lives of Gilles and Christine - both children of divorced parents - who eventually decide to hit the road together after Christine escapes a mental institution and meets up with Gilles at a party. The journey ends as they end up at the Massif central, where Christine disappears and leaves Gilles to face up to his future.

Next in line is experimental film Irma Vep, which stars Hong Kong action star Maggie Cheung as herself coming to Paris to play Irma Vep in a story that recreates Louis Feuillade’s Les Vampires. However, trouble arises as the fragile nature of French film-making and the director’s mental instability make the shoot a total catastrophe.

Les Destinées Sentimentales (Sentimental Destinies) takes on the heartwarming story of Jean and Pauline, whose sentimental destinies intertwine in the midst of a post-World War I society where certainties and industrial dynasties are crumbling. Even though Jean has resigned himself to the failure of his past marriage, they both find a love that is stronger than the past and the passing time.

Industrial espionage, corporate war and personal duels make for a plot for Demonlover, where young, seductive senior executive Diane de Monx becomes a pawn in global intrigues and treachery stretching from Japan to Mexico after the company she belongs to acquires Tokyo Anime, a Japanese company that produces animated pornography.

Emily Wang tries to get back on her feet in Clean, where she vows to give up drugs and change her ways in order to resume her role as a mother after being forbidden to see her son Jay. However, after getting to see Jay again and spending several wonderful hours with him, she finds herself confronted with a choice between her son and the chance to resume her singing career. The Film Clean won the Technical Grand Prize Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004.

Capping off the Assayas anthology is Family tension intensifies within the Berthier family as conflicting ideas rise to the surface upon the death of their mother, Hélène Berthier, whose life has been devoted to preserving the legacy of her uncle - painter Paul Berthier. The children are left to deal with objects from the past and must decide whether to break up the collection or live with it, as well as what is to become of the family home.

Kicking off the film line-up from L’Institut Francais is Le Mariage à Trois (The Three-way Wedding), where playwright Auguste struggles to finish his play and his feelings towards lead star Fanny, who also happens to be his former wife. When Fanny informs him that she will be marrying Theo, his leading man, Auguste tries to prove himself by seducing Harriet - his young assistant - who he later finds to be the ideal fit for the play’s principal role.

Au fond des Bois (Deep in the Woods) stirs intrigue with the character of Timothee - a strange yet charismatic drifter who managed to impress everyone, including Doctor Hughes and her daughter, Josephine, with his talent for magic and hypnosis. But when he subjects Josephine to a brutal rape, his image is tainted and he leaves the village with Josephine in tow. Doctor Hughes is then left wondering if she is going off on her own free will or if he has mesmerized her into doing his bidding.

Le Refuge (Hideaway) revolves around the lives of Mousse and Louis - a rich, young, beautiful couple whose lives have been invaded by drugs. One day, they overdose and Louis dies. Mousse survives, but soon learns she's pregnant. Feeling lost, Mousse runs away to a house far from Paris. Several months later, Louis' brother joins her in her refuge.

Meanwhile, Roses à Crédit (Roses on Credit) is a drama centered on a woman whose life is taken over by greed. Struggling with the aftermath of World War II, Marjoline and her husband, Daniel, dig themselves deeper into debt with no end in sight as Marjoline’s lust for consumer products ceases to fade.

Journey with close friends Lila and Ely as they are lured by the Paris elite in Tout Ce Qui Brille (All that Glitters). Unable to resist, they begin to pick up tips and tricks on how to infiltrate the upper class and begin to carve unique paths for themselves; but the new social circles begin to take their toll both on a familial and romantic level - and the friendship between Lily and Ely begins to strain and crack under the pressure of social advancement. Tout Ce Qui Brille (All that Glitters) won the Best First Film Award at the 2011 César Awards.

Composed of several chapters, L’Art d’Aimer (The Art of Love) is a movie following the stories of several Parisian couples. Isabelle, who has not had sex in a year, declines Zoé’s offer to "lend" her husband - and ends up impersonating Amélie, who cannot bring herself to sleep with her buddy Boris. On the other hand, Achille prances around a possible new affair, a middle-aged couple’s marriage is threatened, and a pair of young lovers discovers the pangs of jealousy.

L’Ordre et La Morale (Rebellion) is a film set in Ouvea island in New Caledonia, where 30 policemen are held hostage by locals fighting for their independence. 300 members of the French Army Special Forces Unit are immediately sent on a mission, in an attempt to solve the situation through mutual trust and dialogue over violence.

Last but not least, L’arnac?ur (Heartbreaker) brings the festival to a close as lead character Alex, together with his sister, operates a business designed to break up relationships. Hired by a wealthy man to prevent the wedding of his daughter to an Englishman, they try to complete the seemingly impossible job of breaking up a relationship that looks like it has none of the usual flaws, thus putting Alex’s honorable principles to the test.

JUNE 8 (FRIDAY) Cinema 4
Tout Ce Qui Brille  (All That Glitters) *PG-13                          1:00 PM (100 min)

Le Refuge (Hideaway) *R-13                                                       3:30 PM (90 min)

Le Mariage à Trois (The Three-way Wedding)*PG-13           5:30 PM (100 min)
Roses à Credit (Roses on Credit) *PG-13                                   8:00 PM (113 min)

JUNE 9 (SATURDAY) Cinema 4

Clean *R-13                                                                                     12:30 PM (110 min)

L' Heure d'Été (Summer Hours) *Cert 12A                                3:15 PM (102 min)

Irma Vep *PG-13                                                                           5:30 PM  (92mins)
Captive (premiere theater)                                                           7 :30 PM
*Strictly by invitation only         

JUNE 10 (SUNDAY) Cinema 4
Roses à Credit (Roses on Credit) *PG-13                                  12:00 PM (113 min)
Les Destinées Sentimentales
(Sentimental Destinies) *PG-13                                                   2:30 PM  (180 min)
L'Eau Froide (Cold Water)* Forbidden for under 16s              6:00 PM (92 min)
Demonlover  *R-13                                                                        8:00 PM (129 min)

JUNE 11 (MONDAY) Cinema 2
L'arnacoeur (Heartbreaker)*PG-13                                           12:30 PM (105 min)
L'Ordre et La Morale (Rebellion)
*Recommended for Mature Audiences                                      3:00 PM (136 min)
L'art d'Aimer (The Art of Love)
*Not recommended for under 10 years                                     6:00 PM (85 min)
L'arnacoeur (Heartbreaker)*PG-13                                           8:00 PM (105 min)


JUNE 12 (TUESDAY) Cinema 4
Bakal Boys *R-13                                                                          1:30 PM (93 min)
2 Short Films                                                                                  4:00 PM (60 min)
Manila *PG                                                                                     5:30 PM (93 min)
Busong *PG                                                                                    8:00 PM (95 min)


JUNE 13 (WEDNESDAY) Cinema 4
Demonlover *R-13                                                                       12:30 PM (129 min)
Irma Vep *PG-13                                                                         3:30 PM  (92 min)

Au Fond des Bois (Deep in the Woods) *PG-13                       5:30 PM (102 min)
Les Destinées Sentimentales
(Sentimental Destinies) *PG-13                                                 8:00 PM (180 min)

JUNE 14 (THURSDAY) Cinema 2

L'Ordre et La Morale (Rebellion)
*Recommended for Mature Audiences                                     12:00 PM (136 min)
L'art d' Aimer (The Art of Love)
*Not recommended for under 10 years                                    3:00 PM (85 min)
L'arnacoeur (Heartbreaker)*PG-13                                          5:00 PM (105 min)
The Artist *PG 13                                                                         7:30 PM (90 min)


JUNE 15 (FRIDAY) Cinema 4
L'Eau Froide (Cold Water)
* Forbidden for under 16s                                                           12:00 PM (92 min)
Demonlover *R-13                                                                        2:30 PM (129 min)
Tout Ce Qui Brille (All That Glitters) *PG-13                          5:30 PM  (100 min)
Clean *R-13                                                                                   8:00 PM (110 min)

JUNE 16 (SATURDAY) Cinema 4
Le Refuge (Hideaway) *R-13                                                     12:00 PM (90 min)
Le Mariage à Trois  (The Three-way Wedding)*PG-13         2:00 PM (100 min)

Les Destinées Sentimentales
(Sentimental Destinies) *PG-13                                                 4 :30 PM (180 min)

L' Heure d'Été (Summer Hours) *Cert 12A                              8 :00 PM (102 min)

JUNE 17 (SUNDAY) Cinema 4

Clean *R-13                                                                                   12:30 PM (110 min)

Roses à Credit (Roses on Credit) *PG-13                                  3:00 PM (113 min)
Au Fond des Bois (Deep in the Woods) *PG-13                        5:30 PM (102 min)

Le Mariage à Trois
(The Three-way Wedding) *PG-13                                           8:00 PM (100 min)

The  Citi-Rustan’s French Film Festival is FREE Admission and Open to the Public. 
The French Film Festival will be held in Manila from June 8 to 17 at Shang Cineplex of the Shangri-La Plaza, the home of international film festivals. The heightened prestige of the Festival is made possible through the support and sponsorship of Citibank and Rustan’s, hence, the branding “Citi-Rustan’s French Film Festival.”

The Citi-Rustan’s French Film Festival will proceed to Cebu from June 21 to 23 at the Ayala Center in Cebu, in cooperation with the Alliance Française de Cebu.

The Festival is supported by Shangri-La Plaza, Citibank, Rustan’s, Total, Air France-KLM, Pernod Ricard Philippines, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Pioneer Films, Le Cellier Wines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the UP Film Institute, and the official media partners Business World, High Life, Travel, Radio High 105.9 and, last but not the least, Spot.ph, where the festival schedule will be posted.

Merci beaucoup!









       




                                                    

Asian Film Festival 2012

Shangri-La Plaza, together with the Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, unveils the rich cultures of Asia and their compelling stories as it plays host to the first-ever Asian Film Festival, themed Asia as Our Society, to be held from May 17 to 21 at the Shang Cineplex.

Film entries from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and of course, the Philippines, will be screened during the festival.

The festival opens with a film from the Philippines, Dinig Sana Kita, which screens on May 17, 7:30pm. Witness the unfolding of a one-of-a-kind love story between a deaf boy and a troubled rocker girl in this 2009 drama. The film Halaw, screens on May 21, 8pm, narrates the adventure of an illiterate Badjao and his daughter as they illegally cross the border of Malaysia and the Philippines.

The festival continues with three of China’s most acclaimed and well-known films. Forever Enthralled, showing on May 18, 8pm, retraces the inspiring story of stage actor Mei Lanfang, who propelled Peking Opera to the global stage. While he had fans, supporters, and loved ones who stood by him, he also had friends who merely used him. Despite this, he went on and displayed dignity through the difficulties, changing traditional prejudices towards actors and leaving a legacy that is remembered to this day.

The Founding of a Republic screens on May 20, 8pm, revisiting the story of post-World War II China, when the unification of the Communist Party of China and other Chinese democratic parties resulted in a major historical milestone.

Capping off the Chinese line-up is Glittering Day, showing on May 21, 12:30pm, chronicles the lives of relocated residents of Jinyuchi (Golden Fish Pond), who were forcibly moved out due to government efforts to improve the place. Every spring, they return to the renovated area and reminisce about their former lives.

From Laos is Only Love, to be screened on May 18 at 5:30pm. Souvanh, a recent university graduate, returns to his village determined to help provide better living conditions for its residents. However, Namphet is set to sabotage Souvanh’s efforts to help the village, as well as destroy Souvanh’s relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Duongchai.

Indonesia takes the spotlight as Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) premieres on May 19 at 3pm. Adapted from Andrea Hirata’s popular literary work, Laskar Pelangi chronicles the author’s memories of his hardworking teachers, brilliantly capturing the struggles of marginalized people hoping to achieve their dreams.

3 DOA 3 CINTA (3 Wishes, 3 Loves), to be shown on May 18 at 12:30pm, revolves around the lives of emotionally troubled students Huda, Rian and Syahid. The three meet sexy dangdut singer Dona Satelit, travelling cinema troupe owner Toha, and a militant religious leader, who all give them hope that they can still make their own dreams happen.

Six different but interconnected stories are retold in Jakarta Maghrib (Jakarta Sunset), which screens on May 21, 5:30pm. Comprised of six short films, the overall story poignantly portrays the Jakarta sunset as the key element that weaves all tales and relationships together.

Also not to be missed is Vietnam’s film line-up. Mua Oi La Saison des Goyaves (The Guava House) traces the journey of peaceful Hanoi City through the years on May 18, 3pm; while Thoung Nho Dong Que (Nostalgia for Countryside), which screens on May 20, 12:30pm, chronicles the story of several characters who either leave or return to their home and realize that their place of origin will always have a special spot in their hearts.

Japan likewise showcases the best of its film creations in the series. Wanko: The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog on May 19, 5:30pm, takes on the story of the Noyama family, who lives in the small island of Miyakejima, as they are forcibly evacuated from their home when Mount Oyama violently erupts. Éclair on May 20, 3pm, follows the story of orphan Akio, as he goes through life without parents at the onset of the war.

Experience rich stories of Korean culture with Hwang Jin Yi, showing on May 19, 8pm, as its namesake main character becomes a gisaeng to gain favor with the noble classes; and Speedy Scandal on May 20, 5:30pm, as former teen star Nam Hyun-soo undergoes a PR crisis as a radio listener on his show unleashes claims that he is her biological father.

Finally, to complete the festival’s roster is Sri-Lanka-Agni Dahaya, screening on May 19, 12:30pm, traces the lives of an exorcist, his assistant, a woman called Kirimenike and her partner Herath, as their stories unfold amidst the backdrop of political turmoil. Following suit is Dheewari on May 21, 3pm, which portrays the harsh realities of life in a Sri Lankan fishing village through the journey of orphan Valli.

Schedule:

May 17, 2012 (Thursday)
Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

May 18, 2012 (Friday)
3 DOA 3 CINTA - 12:30pm
The Guava House (MUA OI LA SIASON DES GAYAVES) - 3:00pm
Only Love - 5:30pm
Forever Enthralled - 8:00pm

May 19, 2012 (Saturday)
Dheevari - 12:30pm
Laskar Pelang (The Rainbow Troops) - 3:00pm
WANKO - The Story of Me, My Family and My Dogs - 5:30pm
Hwang Jin Yi - 8:00pm

May 20, 2012 (Sunday)
Nostalgia For Countryland (Thoung nho dong que) - 12:30pm
Eclair - 3:00pm
Speedy Scandal - 5:30pm
The Founding of A Republic - 8:00pm

May 21, 2012 (Monday)
Glittering Day - 12:30pm
Agni Dahaya - 3:00pm
Jakarta Maghrib - 5:30pm
Halaw - 8:00pm

Cine Negro

Instituto Cervantes features Cine Negro (film noir or stylish crime dramas), a veritable feast of intriguing movies with crisp storytelling, excellent performances, and first-rate hard-boiled dialogue. This film cycle, in Spanish with English subtitles, screens every Saturdays of May.

El Secreto De Sus Ojos (The Secret In Their Eyes)

May 12, 2012  2:00pm

Synopsis: Benjamin Esposito is a judicial employee who decides to retire after writing a novel about a criminal case, which has been a witness and protagonist. Writing the book on the murder occurred in Buenos Aires in 1974, leads him to investigate his own past and for a period of argentina history marked by violence and death. 

My opinion:  One of the best Spanish films I've ever watched. It has romance, suspense, betrayal  and conspiracy.

From my friend Leugenn Alipio: Excellent film. A must see for film afficionados and Film Student. Sick plot and characterisation!

Un Oso Rojo (The Red Bear)

May 19, 2012  2pm

Synopsis: Bear has never gotten over the separation from his wife and daughter after having been convicted for armed robbery and homicide and sent to prison. Now he is out, to finally get his cut of the money and reunite with his family, or at least avenge the damage done. 

My opinion: Soledad Villamil (El Secreto De Sus Ojos) appears again on this film. 

Its a film that portrays some violence, unconditional love and faithfulness. How far will you go for your own family's sake?

Dias de Santiago (Days of Santiago)

May 26, 2012  2pm

Synopsis:  Santiago returns home from the Peruvian army ill-prepared to cope with the realities of life. Haunted by his violent military past, he is conflicted by his desire for education and his temptation to join his comrades in a decadent life of crime. 

I have not watch this film yet, let's see how it goes...

FREE ADMISSION and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Instituto Cervantes is located at  855 T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila

Chick Flick Film Marathon

pelikula@titusbrandsma is a free monthly film screening with dialogue that features fine samples of world cinema. It is an offering of the Titus Brandsma Center (TBC) Media Program under the auspices ...of the Carmelites in the Philippines. This monthly event is aimed at giving a meaningful experience for film enthusiasts (invitational only).

An "open space" for dialogue, interaction and reflection through film.

"FROM GRIEF TO WHOLENESS: A WOMAN'S JOURNEY"
April 28, 2012. Saturday, 1:30 pm onwards

Line Up:

CLEAN (France/Canada/United Kingdom)
2004
Olivier Assayas
French, English, Cantonese
111 minutes

With a past riddled with drugs and regrets, one woman embarks on a journey to establish a loving relationship with her son and create a future together. It's an emotional and moving story of dreams, reality and life in the fast lane from director Olivier Assayas featuring Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Maggie Cheung and Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte.

Awards:
Cannes Film Festival
Palme d'Or (nominated)
Technical Grand Prize (won)
Best Actress (Maggie Cheung - won)

"SECRET SUNSHINE" (South Korea)
2007
Lee Chang-dong
Korean
142 minutes

A master of intensely emotional human dramas, director Lee Chang-dong is a luminary of contemporary Korean cinema, and his place on the international stage was cemented by this stirring and unpredictable work examining grief and deliverance. An effortless mix of lightness and uncompromising darkness, Secret Sunshine (Miryang) stars Cannes best actress winner Jeon Do-yeon as a widowed piano teacher who moves with her young son from Seoul to her late husband’s provincial hometown for a fresh start. Quietly expressive, supple filmmaking and sublime, subtle performances distinguish this remarkable portrayal of the search for grace amid tragedy.

Awards:
In May 2007, the film was one of 20 films running for the Featured Films competition at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. Jeon Do-yeon won the Prix d'interprétation féminine du Festival de Cannes (Best Actress)

The film won Best Feature Film and Best Performance by an Actress at the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, where it was also nominated for Best Screenplay.

In the second Asian Film Awards, the film won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.

"DANZON" (Mexico)
1991
María Novaro
Spanish
120 minutes

Julia (Maria Rojo) is a phone operator in Mexico City who divides her time between her job, her daughter and the danzon: a cuban dance very popular in Mexico and Central America. Every wednesday Julia does the danzon with Carmelo in the old "Salon Colonia". They've danced for years but barely know each other. One night Carmelo disappears without a trace. Feeling lonely and sad, Julia takes a train to Veracruz, where she knows Carmelo has a brother. That sudden trip will change Julia's life forever.

Awards:
Directors' Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival
Best Actress, Valladolid International Film Festival