In celebration of French Language Day, the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, in partnership with Alliance Française de Manille, hosted a special screening of the award-winning Franco-Swiss film “MOKA” by Frédéric Mermoud. Held on March 17 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Alliance Française de Manille. The film screening was followed by a cocktail reception.
Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines Dr. Nicolas Brühl, gave his opening remarks, and welcomed guests from various French speaking institutions and the academe. He emphasized how the French language is an integral part of Switzerland’s identity, and that it was a delight to see so many Filipinos learning the language.
A cinematic journey into grief and revenge
“MOKA,” starring Emmanuelle Devos and Nathalie Baye, is a psychological drama about a grieving mother who embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice after the hit-and-run accident that killed her son. Armed with only a vague lead—a mocha-colored car—she crosses the French-Swiss border into Lausanne, determined to uncover the truth. The film’s tense storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and powerhouse performances make it a compelling watch, showcasing both Swiss-French storytelling excellence and the picturesque yet haunting landscapes of Lake Geneva.
Celebrating Swiss Francophonie
With French spoken by more than 22 percent of Switzerland’s population, the Swiss Embassy took this opportunity to highlight the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. While Switzerland shares the French language with other Francophone nations, Swiss French has its own unique expressions, pronunciation, and vocabulary, making it distinct from its European counterpart.
The Embassy hopes that through this event, audiences in the Philippines gain deeper appreciation for Francophone culture, Swiss cinema, and the power of language in storytelling.
To continue the celebration, the Embassy encourages everyone to share their favorite French words and engage in discussions on the beauty of the language.
Bonne Journée internationale de la francophonie!
