Ambassador Christopher B. Montero delivers his welcome message prior to the screening of the film Bamboo Flowers during the Philippine Film Day on 13 December 2020 at the Mahakarya Institute of the Arts, Bandar Seri Begawan.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 17 DECEMBER 2020. 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.
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 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, Ms. Siti Kamaluddin, Brunei’s first international female director and Festival Director, and Dr. Alex Fischer, Dean of the Mahakarya Institute of the Arts.
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. The event runs from from 12 to 26 December 2020. END.
Ambassador Christopher B. Montero with Siti Kamaluddin, Festival Director and Brunei’s first international female director.
The audience enjoying the Pelikulang Pinoy Day at the opening of the Brunei Film Blitz 2020. 