The French Film Festival in Manila is the annual rendezvous of the cinephiles of the capital. For a quarter of a century, this event has been attracting movie goers in search of a different kind of cinema, quality films that offer alternative perspectives to the usual programming of the local theaters. By offering a selection of new French releases, and some heritage films, the festival offers a venue to promote French culture, as well as defend cultural diversity.
On its 27th year in Manila, the French Film Festival carried for the first time the colors of a feminist cinema seen through France’s and the Philippines’ new generation of female directors and through a selection of films showcasing powerful stories and insightful portraits of women. In partnership with SM Supermalls, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia presented this new edition as part of its feminist diplomacy, initiated in 2018.
As part of the celebrations of the Women’s rights month, the French Film Festival goes to Cebu once again at the SM City from March 28 to 30 and shared with the Cebuanos a selection of films for their appreciation and enjoyment.
The film selection were “Hard shell soft shell” (Fragile) by Emma Benestan, 2021; “A Tale of Love and Desire” (Une Histoire d’Amour et de Désir), by Leyla Bouzid, 2020; “Spring Blossom” (Seize printemps) by Suzanne Lindon, 2020; “The Rapture” (Le Ravissement) by Iris Kaltenbak, 2023; and “Marinette” by Virginie Verrier, 2023.
The partnership with the Arts Council of Cebu allowed the promotion of the festival in universities and the artistic circles in Cebu. Furthermore, the Council connected with the Zonta Club, supporting and promoting women’s rights and invited members to the screenings particularly for “Annie Colère” in the University of the Philippines (UP).
In addition, a special screening of the movie “Angry Annie” (Annie Colère) by Blandine Lenoir, 2021, was held at UP Cebu on March 28 at 3 p.m., followed by an open discussion.
For the first time, the French Film Festival screenings in universities included screenings in the premises of Alliance Française, and in Cebu’s university partners uch as University of San Carlos, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Philippines – Cebu, and Cebu Doctors’ University.
The University of Cebu, however is not yet a partner of AFC, but the screening is a first step towards a future partnership. The movie “Les Choristes” by Christian Barratier was shown at the university, followed by a talk with various students and faculty members.
These screenings were set between March 24 and March 27 with the goal of promoting the French Film Festival among students, to enhance the curiosity and interest towards French culture and language, and to promote the benefits of enrolling to French classes.