DABAWENYOS were able to explore the wonders of France even at the comfort of their seats as the 24th French Film Festival kicked off on June 28 to June 30, 2019 at the Abreeza Cinemas.
The event was in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Cinematheque Centre Davao, and Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.
For the past three days, 11 award-winnings films were showcased during the free special screening. These are Dans la Brume (Just a Breath Away), La Promesse de l’Aube (Promise at Dawn), Band de Filles (Girlhood), Le Grand Bain (Sink or Swim), Madame Hyde (Mrs. Hyde), Le Grand Méchant Renard (The Big Bad Fox), Mes Provinciales (A Paris Education), Jusqu'à la garde (Custody), Le Brio, In Bed With Victoria, and Barbara.
French Embassy audiovisual attaché Martin Macalintal said having film festivals is the easiest way to promote foreign culture.
“Movie is the easiest way to promote culture because through the different stories, we can see the different values of a certain society,” Macalintal said.
He admittedly said Filipinos are hesitant to watch French films due to initial perception about their lifestyle tagged as sophisticated or elite. However, he said both countries share common things in terms of human relationship and daily life struggles.
Macalintal also said these are the edge of French films over Hollywood films, as the latter aremore centered on violent themed films, crimes and superheroes.
He also said that it is not a farfetched idea that both countries will intensify collaboration in producing quality films soon – as Cannes Film Festival, one of the prestigious award-giving body - has awarded many promising Filipino directors, including Brillante Mendoza.
The French Film Festival officially kicked off in Cebu from June 20 to 22, and will make its last stop in Bacolod from July 10 to 12.