Millennials have been flocking to the ongoing Cinema Europa Nineteen film festival at Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University and many times, it’s been standing room only.
“We’ve told them we can only accommodate a maximum of 700 persons per screening but they don’t mind sitting on the aisles so sometimes we get over 800 people in one screening, most of them millennials,” said Owen Jaen, LiceoU Director for Cultural Affairs.
Dr Jozsef Cenze, Ms CDO 2016 Sherilyn Doriel, Liceo U EVP Alain Golez and Charge d’Affaires David Ambrus
Ambassador-Designate József Bencze of Hungary officially inaugurated the 19th iteration of the popular film festival on 18 November with the comedy-drama from Hungary, Anyám és más futóbolondok a családból(‘Mom and Other Loonies in the Family’).
The film tells a heartbreaking and amusingly unconventional tale of a family of four generations of loonies, centered on the story of Mom who has lived 94 years and has moved 27 times during her lifespan.
“We have quite a big film industry now and many of the American TV series are actually shot in Hungary,” David Arbus, Charge D’Affaires of the Hungarian Embassy, said in an exclusive interview with this writer. “For instance, National Geographic has this new series Mars that was done in a studio in Hungary. The movie The Martian was shot in Hungary as well.”
Korda Studios 26 kilometers west of Budapest, Hungary, in the wine-making village of Etyek was chosen for filming interior scenes of The Martian. It was favored for having one of the largest sound stages in the world.
HE Dr Jozsef Bencze, Ambassador-Designate of Hungary to the Philippines, opens Cinema Europa 19 at Rodelsa Hall 18 Nov 2016
Now on its 19th year, Cine Europa is the longest running film festival in the Philippines. It has the widest potential of reaching large audiences as it screens in a variety of venues, from theaters to malls and to universities.
The theme for this year’s festival is Friendship, a theme meant also to celebrate 25-year anniversary of the opening of the EU Delegation in the Philippines.
The film festival showcases the quality and ingenuity of European filmmaking from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
In addition, it features classic Filipino films like Ma Rosa (directed by Brillante Mendoza), Imago (Ruben Ribay Gutierrez), Of Sinners and Saints (Ruben Maria Soriquez) and Mana (Gabby Fernandez).
Earl Ventic de Ravelo, a self-confessed cineaste, backpacker, dreamer, loner, bookworm, artist, advocate, researcher and farmer, who’s been following Cine Europa in Cagayan de Oro since 2008, shared some of his thoughts.
“I’ve been following the film fest for the last 7-8 years now. I keep coming back because of my passion for foreign films, which has now become an obsession.”
“Watching a movie in a foreign language can be fascinating and educational, and so much more interesting. I learn a lot from their culture: tradition, lifestyle, attitude and conflicts. They tickle my imagination and broaden my horizons.”
“I discovered a whole new world of cinematography and a variety of narratives and plots. They let me wander beyond my cinematic comfort zone. I’ve also become accustomed to listening to their dialogues, since I like learning foreign languages, having studied French, Spanish and Korean. Now I’m trying to learn German in my free time.”
“I love Cinema Europa featured films because they are more realistic and uncensored unlike blockbusters. Their storylines are unpredictable and thought-provoking. Indie films are more interesting to watch, no wonder they are internationally acclaimed.”
He cited some favorites from Cinema Europa Nineteen: Miguel and William (Spain); Die Marathon(Netherlands); Kon Tiki (Norway); Beloved Sisters (Germany); Carte Blanche (Poland); A Second Chance(Denmark); Summertime (Finland); Of Sinners and Saints (Italy); and, Normal: The Dusseldorf Ripper (Czech Republic).
HE Dr Jozsef Bencze, Ambassador-Designate of Hungary to the Philippines, with CDO Tourism Council Chair Dotty Pabayo and members of the CTC at the Cinema Europa 19 launch held at Rodelsa Hall 18 Nov 2016
Cine Europa began its Mindanao tour at the FDCP Cinematheque in Zamboanga from 12 to 16 October and at the FDCP in Davao City from 25 to 30 October. After CDO, Cine Europa will travel back to Palawan State University & Robinsons Place, Puerto Princesa, from 22 to 27 November. The last leg of this year’s edition of Cine Europa will be in the FDCP’s Cinematheque in Kalaw, Manila from 6 to 11 December.
Cine Europa is presented by the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, the EU Member States’ Embassies, EU Cultural Institutes (Alliance Francaise de Manille, British Council, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, Philippine-Italian Association), the Embassy of Norway, EU Member States Consulates and its partner organizations from the private sector, academe and government agencies.
Further information: http:eeas.europa.eu/delegation
-30-