MANILA -- Filipino moviegoers may once again get a glimpse of contemporary films that offer distinct French aesthetic as France holds another film festival in the Philippines next month.
Starting June 12, at least 15 French contemporary films and four handpicked movies produced by Filipino artists will be screened in the cities of Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Metro Manila.
"The selection of films in this year's festival carries the theme of family and human relationships, some of which explore the place of women in the society," French Ambassador Nicolas Galey said on Thursday.
In promoting the 24th French Film Festival in the Philippines, the envoy highlights the unique characteristics of French cinema which he describes "could make the audience laugh and cry, at the same time reflect on the human condition in the society."
"For some, cinema is an escape -- French movies can take you to the banks of Seine in Paris for a romantic get-away. To others, cinema is a medium for social commentary that provides a closer look at reality. French films do both," Galey said.
Films in this year's selection include crowd-pleaser Le Grand brain (Sink or Swim), De Toutes nos forces (The Finishers), Jusqu’à la garde (Custody), and La Villa (The House by the Sea), science fiction Dans la brume (Just a Breath Away), and L’Incroyable histoire du Facteur Cheval (The Ideal Palace), whose director Nils Tavernier will grace the red carpet on June 11.
Paying homage to the Philippine cinema, four Filipino movies are also slated for screening, namely the "Mababangong Bangungot" (Perfumed Nightmare) by National Artist for Film and Mass Communications Kidlat Tahimik; Above the Clouds by Pepe Diokno; Waiting for Sunset by Carlo Catu; and Jodilerks dela Cruz, Employee of the Month by Carlo Manatad.
Tickets for each screening are priced at PHP150 and may be purchased at the box office or through sureseats.com.
June 12 to 18, 2019 -- Metro Manila (Bonifacio High Street and Greenbelt 3 cinemas)
June 20 to 22, 2019 -- Cebu City (Ayala Center Cebu)
June 28 to 30, 2019 -- Davao City (Abreeza Mall Davao)
July 10 to 12, 2019 -- Bacolod City (Ayala Capitol Central Mall) (PNA)
