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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Palestinian film 'Passing Dreams' screened in Manila for Francophonie Festival

Palestinian film 'Passing Dreams' screened in Manila for Francophonie Festival

Published Apr 4, 2026 06:05 pm
Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad with fellow ambassadors, their spouses, and other embassy representatives in attendance
Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad with fellow ambassadors, their spouses, and other embassy representatives in attendance
The Embassy of the State of Palestine, in partnership with the Alliance Française de Manille, held a special screening of the film 'Passing Dreams' on March 14 as part of the Francophonie Festival in Manila.
The event also coincided with the Palestinian National Day of Culture, observed on March 13, positioning the screening as a cultural bridge between the global Francophone community and Palestinian heritage.
Raffy Guevara, Executive Director Olivier Dintinger of Alliance Française, Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad, Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the Embassy of Brazil, and Head of Mission Katarzyna Wilkowiecka of the Embassy of Poland
Raffy Guevara, Executive Director Olivier Dintinger of Alliance Française, Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad, Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the Embassy of Brazil, and Head of Mission Katarzyna Wilkowiecka of the Embassy of Poland
Held at Alliance Française de Manille, the evening opened with a reception, followed by remarks from Palestinian Ambassador Mounir Anastas, who highlighted the role of cinema in expressing identity and preserving culture.
Directed by Rashid Masharawi, 'Passing Dreams' (2024) follows the story of a 12-year-old boy living in a refugee camp in the West Bank. When his homing pigeon goes missing, he sets out on a journey across Palestine with his uncle and cousin in search of it.
Attache Lucheng Liu of the Embassy of China with spouse
Attache Lucheng Liu of the Embassy of China with spouse
The film traces their route through cities including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Haifa, framing the journey as both a personal quest and a reflection of Palestinian history and identity.
Shot independently in the occupied territories, the film adopts a restrained and intimate approach. Its narrative draws on everyday moments to explore larger themes of displacement, belonging, and freedom. The homing pigeon serves as a central metaphor, representing both movement and the longing for return.
Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad joins couple Jason Tolland and Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland Embassy
Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad joins couple Jason Tolland and Ambassador Saija Nurminen of Finland Embassy
Despite its setting, the film has been noted for its measured tone and visual warmth, offering a perspective that balances hardship with a sense of continuity and hope.
'Passing Dreams' has received international recognition, including a Special Mention at the Palestinian Film Award during the Cairo International Film Festival. It has also been screened at the Malmö Arab Film Festival and the Marrakech International Film Festival.
Mme. Roswitha Brieger with her spouse, Ambassador Johann Brieger of the Embassy of Austria, together with Mme. Cathrine Lykke Riseng Lyster of the Embassy of Norway and her daughter
Mme. Roswitha Brieger with her spouse, Ambassador Johann Brieger of the Embassy of Austria, together with Mme. Cathrine Lykke Riseng Lyster of the Embassy of Norway and her daughter
The screening in Manila formed part of broader Francophonie Month activities, which celebrate the diversity of French-speaking cultures worldwide. By including a Palestinian film in the program, organizers highlighted how cinema can serve as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.
Executive Director Olivier Dintinger of Alliance Française; Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad and Consul General Mohammed Issam Eldebs of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Philippines
Executive Director Olivier Dintinger of Alliance Française; Ambassador Mounir Y.K. Anastas Mohammad and Consul General Mohammed Issam Eldebs of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Philippines
Bringing together members of the diplomatic community, cultural institutions, and film audiences, the event underscored the role of storytelling in connecting different contexts and perspectives—offering a glimpse into Palestinian life while situating it within a wider global conversation.

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