The French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia, in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, stages the 26th French Film Festival from Nov. 25 to Dec. 3, 2023. Featuring 21 French films, these will be shown simultaneously at SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall, with a selection of new releases, some of the biggest box office hits of the year, and a few classics featuring icons of French cinema.

Apart from promoting cultural understanding in the Philippines through moving pictures, the French Film Festival also stands for different advocacies. For its 26th edition, the festival stands firm in fighting violence against women and children. During the official launch of the festival last Nov. 25, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia, attendees wore orange ribbons—to show unity with this cause.

“I see a lot of orange ribbons, it’s not because it’s the color of the sea, or the sky, or the garden. But because it is an international day for the elimination of violence against women and children,” said Steven Tan, president, SM Supermalls during the opening ceremony. “And the color orange symbolizes a better future. It’s a cause close to my heart and the focus of SM Cares. On behalf of the Sy Family and SM Supermalls, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of France for this partnership. Film is such a compelling medium to enrich our perspective. This year we expanded the film festival to two of our iconic SM Supermalls, making French cinema more accessible than ever before.”

The exhibition also aims to engage the public on other advocacies, such as environmental issues. This year’s French film fest opens with “Acide” (Acid Rain), which tells the story of the plight of a family caught in a climatic catastrophe. To commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children, the documentary film “Un Silence Si Bruyant” (Such A Resounding Silence) by Emmanuelle Béart and Anastasia Mikova prompts the victims of incest to speak out and is currently a controversial topic in French society.

Simultaneously, this event coincides with the launch of “Make It Iconic – Choose France.” A campaign designed to promote the French “love of action and craftsmanship, the willingness to defend an original vision, the art of not doing anything like others do.”

Regular tickets are at P150 and P100 for students, seniors, and PWDs. For the French Film Festival schedule and further information, visit the French Embassy’s Facebook page.