Filipino films took center stage at the opening of the on-going Brunei Film Blitz, an annual and only film festival that aims to develop a new wave of Brunei cinema through education, training, and exposure to a wider variety of independent cinema. The film festival will run from 12 to 26 December 2020.
Dubbed as the Day of Pelikulang Pinoy, the featured Filipino films included “Ano ang Kulay ng Nakalimutang Pangarap” directed by Jose Javier Reyes, “Kanana Kanu” directed by Jocelyn Banasan-Kapuno, “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok”, a documentary by Lauren Faustino, “Bamboo Flowers” directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes, and “T’yanak” directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.
In his remarks during the opening, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero underscored that notwithstanding the pandemic, the quest for cinematic excellence continues for Filipino filmmakers who have adapted to new ways and platforms of perfecting their craft under the new normal. He cited the five featured Filipino films as a good selection that showcases the richness of the country’s film-making tradition.
The film screening was graced by Festival Coordinator Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah binti Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Bey Muntassir , Brunei’s first international female director and Festival Director Siti Kamaluddin, and Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Dean Dr. Alex Fischer.
The participation of the Philippines in the filmfest was held under the auspices of Sentro Rizal Brunei, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Film Development Council of the Philippine (FDCP).
The Brunei Film Blitz is Brunei’s first ever film festival that was established in December 2017. It is part of the Brunei December Festival, an annual event organized by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam that showcases culture and the arts in Brunei through food, music, performances and film screenings.
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For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/.
