by Cesar Cruz Jr.
Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual Attaché at the French Embassy, briefs media practitioners on what to expect in this year’s French Film Festival.
A select group of media practitioners recently gathered at the Alliance Française De Manille for a Press Preview, offering a sneak peek into the much-anticipated 26th edition of the French Film Festival. Martin Macalintal, the Audiovisual Attaché at the French Embassy, unveiled exciting details about this year's festival, promising a cinematic experience that transcends borders.
Addressing the attendees, Macalintal acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the French Film Festival, confirming its return this year. Despite a slight delay, the festival promises to be worth the wait, opening its doors on November 25, 2023, and captivating audiences until December 3, 2023, across Manila.
Breaking away from tradition, the French Film Festival has found a new partner in SM Supermalls. This strategic collaboration aims to bring the magic of French cinema to a wider audience, with SM Supermalls providing an expansive platform for the festival's diverse lineup.
In a notable shift, the festival is taking a youth-centric approach, aiming to foster cultural exchange and appreciation among the younger generation. Macalintal emphasized that this focus extends beyond the youth, with a dedicated and loyal audience already established in Makati. While the festival has been a staple in Ayala Malls, this year's ambition is to transcend these boundaries.
Cultural Bonds Beyond Wealth: French and Filipino Similarities
Dispelling stereotypes associated with French culture's often perceived opulence, Macalintal emphasized the rich historical and cultural ties between France and the Philippines. With France being the largest Catholic country in Europe and a significant pilgrimage destination, Macalintal highlighted the strong foundations of cultural values shared between the two nations.
Macalintal reassured attendees that this edition of the French Film Festival aims to showcase the diversity of French cinema, debunking the misconception that French films are solely intellectual or philosophical. The selection includes a plethora of fresh releases, with an emphasis on blockbuster films that have received acclaim worldwide.
Members of the media were treated to four movie screenings: Acide, Bernadette (The President’s Wife), The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan, and Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom.
At the upcoming festival, cinephiles can expect an immersive journey into the heart of French cinema, celebrating the shared values that connect us all.
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