MANILA – Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Singapore are set to screen seven films, capturing their traditions and culture at the September Pacific Alliance Movie Nights next week.
The Embassies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Singapore in the Philippines, in partnership with Red Carpet Cinema Shangri-La Plaza and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, will open the festival on Sept. 21 until 25.
"The Embassies and its partners aim for the public and lovers of cinema to discover and enjoy a wide variety of cultures. Looking at these films, one can see a glimpse of the tradition, style, and values of each participating country," the Mexican Embassy in Manila said.
The movie will start off with Arráncame la vida (2016), a Mexican romantic drama set in the 1930s, revolving around a young woman who finds herself in an arranged marriage with a prominent politician.
Mexico will also present Cuando los hijos regresan (2017), a movie about Manuel and Adelina as they try to restore peace and quiet in their simple abode while enjoying their retirement as their children come back home.
Chile will screen Calzones Rotos (2018), a dark comedy centered on an intense family reunion following the imminent death of a dying matriarch.
Mis hermanos sueñan despiertos (2021), another Chilean film, will feature the story of Ángel and his young brother Franco as they find friends and enjoy the day-to-day life of living in a reformatory.
From Colombia, the film fest will screen El Piedra (2018). The drama is about Reynaldo, a washed-up boxer who tries to find the meaning and value of life while teaching a street kid to become a fighter like him.
After such a heartwarming film, the public will enjoy Chiribiquete (2017) which takes them on an adventure throughout the luscious Chiribiquete National Park to discover the beauty and history of one of the oldest geological formations on the planet.
Finally, the Embassy of Singapore will present Motel Acacia (2019), a co-production between Singapore and the Philippines.
The film tells the story of JC – a young half-Filipino, who is groomed to take over a haunted slaughterhouse disguised as a motel. Upon his father’s death, JC finds himself trapped in the haunted slaughterhouse along with the monsters he must face.
All films will be streamed in their original languages, with English subtitles. Entrance is free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Chile, Colombia, Perú and Mexico created the Pacific Alliance (AP), a Latin American economic bloc that pursues freedom in the movement of goods, services, capital, and people between the four member states in 2012.
In 2021, Singapore became the Associated State of AP.
Mexico holds the Presidency Pro-Tempore in 2022. (PNA)
