The stage is all set for the 22nd French Film Festival, slated on June 9 to June 17, 2017 at the Ayala Malls Cinemas in Greenbelt 3 and the Bonifacio High Street Central Square Cinemas.
13 French Films are up for viewing, depicting French values, culture and language.
In a press conference and preview at My Cinemas in Greenbelt 3, organizers said the film showcase continues to be one of the year’s most anticipated events of “PhilFrance: Feel French!” This is a year-long festival launched by the French Embassy on January this year, which celebrates the 70th year anniversary of French-Philippine diplomatic relations.
French Embassy Charge d’Affaires Laurent Legodec said it’s a double celebration because this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, where the Philippines’ very own Jaclyn Jose was awarded Best Actress last year.
“This is why we prepared this Film festival  in this spirit. We want to seize this opportunity to enhance the knowledge between our two societies,” Mr. Legodec noted in an interview before the press briefing.
Each year, over 15,000 moviegoers are treated to critically-acclaimed feature films that provide a mirror into French society.
Moreover, Mr. Legodec adds, over the years, there has been a significant rise in Filipinos’ interest in French activities.
“We feel that. Generally speaking, we think there has been a growing interest from the Filipino people for French culture, on the French way of life. We experience that through cinema, through food, literature and tourism,”he said.
To mark this long-standing friendship, the French Film Festival will also pay homage to Filipino Films that have been selected at the Cannes Film Festival.
On June 12, Philippine Independence Day, the following films will be screened at the French Film Festival: “Nakaw” directed by Noel Escondo and Arvin Belarmino (Short Film Corner, 2017); “Ma’ Rosa” directed by Brillante Mendoza (Main Competition, Best Actress Award, 2016); “On the Job” directed by Erik Matti (Director’s Fortnight, 2013); and “Anino” by Raymond Red (Short Film Corner, Palme d’Or for Best Short Film, 2000).
For the first time, the French Film Festival will dedicate one weekend for “plein air” free public outdoor screenings at Circuit Makati on June 17 and 18, 2017.
(With French Embassy Charge d’Affaires Laurent Legodec are Michelle Suarez, Marketing Communications Head, SSI Group, Inc. and Glen Dasig, President, Peugeot Philippines. SSI is assisting the activities surrounding the French Film Festival, while Peugeot will be lending some of its finest array of cars, on the red carpet launch of the Festival, to give the guests a better feel of France).
This means the public can enjoy an array of French films for free on these dates.
On the other hand, French Film enthusiasts can purchase their tickets for the screenings at the cinemas of Greenbelt 3 and Bonifacio High Street at P100. The tickets can also be bought online through http://www.sureseats.com.
# Â Â Â # Â Â Â Â #
At a press conference in My Cinemas in Greenbelt 3,
