Opening Night

 EU Delegation greenlits Cine Europa 28

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

The Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines has formally opened the 28th edition of the Cine Europa Film Festival at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet cineplex in Mandaluyong City. The Embassy of Poland screened the 2023 period movie "The Peasants," as the festival's opening film.

"This is a film of a Polish village set in the 19th century. The story centers on a woman, Jagna (Kamila Urzedowska), who is rejected by the very community that shaped her life. The film tackles the issue on women's rights and shows who Jagna wants to be, but has to pay the price for it. It is a mirror where the women of today can see through her struggles, and about the freedom she seeks and the strength to keep it," shared Anna Krzak-Danel, charge d'affaires of the Embassy of Poland.

Watching "The Peasants" brought to mind other beleaguered heroines like Demi Moore in Roland Joffe's "The Scarlet Letter" (1995) and Monica Belluci in Giuseppe Tornatore's "Malena" (2000).

"This is the second time for me to open the festival. Twenty eight years ago, it was in this same day that Cine Europa was born. More than a festival, it has become a moment for celebrating voices of the member states of the European Union; as it brings to the Philippines its norms and narratives. Last year, we welcomed 6,000 viewers and we hope to do even more this year. There are 17 film entries, including films for families and children. We welcome Ukraine as a special guest country. Cinema can also raise awareness and foster sympathy," said His Excellency, Ambassador Massimo Santoro, head of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, in his keynote speech. 

Aside from Manila and Cebu, Cine Europa 28 will also be screened in Tacloban at the East Visayan State University from September 15 to 20, and in Bacolod from September 22 to 26 at the Cinematheque.

"It is my honor to welcome you all to the opening night of Cine Europa. Through the years, it has become an anticipated cultural event for its showcase of artistry and diversity. It affords viewers the opportunity to discover stories across the European continent. Cine Europa is at the heart of our cultural campaign as it bridges communities, as well as make European films accessible to everyone across different backgrounds; bringing European storytelling to a wider audience," enthused Shang Mall's operations manager Johnny Rios, in his welcome address.

Film screenings will start on Friday, Sept 12 at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet cineplex. For schedules (date/time) of the screenings in any of the venues, simply visit the Cine Europa page on Facebook.