Enrich your appreciation for Filipino cinema through “Pinoy-Euro Connection 2016,” a two-day series of screenings of Filipino films that made waves in Europe and forums with the makers of these acclaimed works.
“Pinoy-Euro Connection 2016,” the educational component of the very popular Cine Europa Film Festival,” is organized by Spears Films. It will be held on two Saturdays, September 10 and 17, 1:00 pm, at the Shangri-La Mall Cineplex, the venue of Cine Europa. The event is sponsored; admission is free.
On September 10, “Pinoy-Euro Connection” kicks off with a talk about “Matalinong Panonood ng Pelikula (“How to Watch Films Intelligently”) by independent film producer Alemberg “Alem” Ang. Ang is the producer behind the Urian Best Picture “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa,” and the Cairo International Filmfest Best Digital Film “Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe.” He is also the supervising producer of the sleeper hit “English Only Please.”
On the same day, two Pinoy films that made it to the 69th Cannes International Filmfest, the full-length feature “Ma Rosa” and the short film “Imago,” screen at 1:30 pm.
“Ma Rosa,” a story about a drug-dealing couple and how their children raise the bail money, won for Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress award at Cannes. “Imago,” meanwhile, is about a single mother who works as a funeral agent and her autistic child. A forum with “Ma Rosa” director Brillante Mendoza and “Imago” director Raymund Ribay Gutierrez immediately follows the screenings. Alem Ang and film critic and professor Richard Bolisay will be the moderators.
On September 17, “Pinoy-Euro Connection” showcases a Italian-Filipino co-production and a Filipino movie that reaped awards at the Madrid International Film Festival. At 1pm, Italian director-actor Ruben Maria Soriquez presents his film “Of Sinners and Saints” and conducts a talk right after. Soriquez’s drama thriller about an Italian priest who helps a victim of domestic violence, has received recognition at international filmfests in Honolulu, Berlin, Jakarta, and the Philippines.
“Mana,” which won Best Actress for Cherie Gil and Best Picture at the Madrid International Film Festival closes the series. The drama directed by Gabriel “Gabby” Fernandez tells of the anguish of a dying matriarch; it was also the last film of actor Mark Gil. Star Cinema has graciously granted permission to screen “Mana.”
Cinema advocates Ed Cabagnot and Jonell Estillore are moderators of the September 17 forums featuring Soriquez and Fernandez.
For more information about Pinoy-Euro Connection 2016, email apogeephil@yahoo.com.