DAYS after the 69th Cannes film festival, Jaclyn José’s Best Actress win for “Ma’ Rosa” continued to be the talk of the town.
That was certainly the case during the press conference of the 21st French Film Festival in Manila on May 26.
“We would like to congratulate the Philippines once again for making its mark internationally,” said Laurent Legodec, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of France. “Not only did Brillante Mendoza participate once again in the official selection of the Cannes film festival with his film ‘Ma’ Rosa,’ but for the first time, an actress from the Philippines—and I could say an actress from Southeast Asia— was named Best Actress. We are really pleased to congratulate Ms Jaclyn José for receiving this honor. ”
Yves Zoberman, counselor for cooperation and cultural affairs, described Mendoza’s films as “very French.”
“[Mendoza’s films] have a very critical view of society,” Zoberman said. “It is not only a film but a way of life. That’s a common point between our two cinemas. ”
Naturally the question of whether “Ma’ Rosa” would be shown during this festival popped up. Audiovisual attaché Martin Macalintal, without promising anything, said they would see what could be done.
Nevertheless, this year’s edition of the French Film Festival has much to offer. It begins with the Red Carpet Opening Night which will have both José and Mendoza in attendance.
French brands from SSI Group Inc. will be on display while Peugeot Philippines will provide a fleet of cars that will transport guests to Bonifacio High Street Central Square.
French actress and director Maïwenn’s film “Mon Roi,” which won for Emmanuelle Bercot the 2015 Cannes Best Actress, will be the opening movie.
Cultural action
“It’s an important part of our cultural action here, because we are able to directly reach a wider public through a medium that people can easily relate to,” Legodec said about the annual film fest. “Indeed, this is one of the most awaited cultural events and, moreover, the films show how much the French and the Filipinos have in common. ”
The festival on June 8-14 will have 19 fairly recent films, which will be shown at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas, Bonifacio High Street Cinemas and at the Cinematheque Centre Manila.
On June 12, two Filipino films that participated in international film festivals will screen back-to-back at Greenbelt 3: Lawrence Fajardo’s “Imbisibol,” a story about illegal Filipino immigrants in Japan; and Carl Joseph Papa’s “Manang Biring,” a drama-comedy about a dying old woman who does everything to give her balikbayan daughter and apo a memorable Christmas after finding out they will be coming home for the holidays.
The festival will head to Ayala Center Cebu June 22-25; and to Abreeza Mall Davao June 28-30.
French support
Legodec highlighted the French government’s leading role worldwide in providing assistance for filmmakers.
A feature film by Carlo Francisco Manatad and Armi Rae Cacanindin is one of 10 selected projects at this year’s La Fabrique des Cinemas du Monde in Cannes. “A Wrong Season” (“Une Mauvaise Saison”) focuses on the tragedy in Tacloban caused by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in November 2013.
Legodec also recognized the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for the promotion of cinema and the preservation of cultural heritage through the establishment of the National Film Archives and the new Cinematheque Centre Manila on Kalaw Avenue.
“We also recognize FDCP chair Briccio Santos for his initiative in bringing together Southeast Asian cinema, which had a very successful participation in Cannes this year,” said Legodec.
Legodec praised past editions of the French Film Festival in Manila and the Filipino filmgoers’ curiosity for such movies.
“In the context of the dynamic audiovisual sector in the Philippines, France assures that cooperation in this field will continue to be a priority in the years to come,” Legodec said. “We are looking forward to a greater cooperation and successful exchange.”
Visit ph.frenchfilmfest.com. E-mail the author [email protected]. Follow on Twitter: @dxmatilla.
