The 2024 French Film Festival kicked off with a captivating celebration of women in cinema for this year's fest titled "Feminist Cinema."
For the 27th French Film Festival, the French Embassy in Manila presents a week-long cinematic journey showcasing the powerful voices of French and Filipina women directors.
Running until November 29, 2024, the French Film Fest features 15 diverse and thought-provoking films that explore themes of gender equality, identity, and social justice.
The screenings are free of charge and will take place at select venues, including SM Aura Premier, SM City North EDSA, and other partner locations like the Alliance Française de Manille, the University of the Philippines Film Institute, and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.
The French Embassy in Manila has designed this festival to not only highlight the exceptional work of women directors but also to foster a cultural exchange between France and the Philippines.
By spotlighting feminist films, the festival aims to amplify the conversation on gender equality, a cause championed by France.
Since 2018, France has been advocating for feminist issues, using cinema as a powerful tool for cultural change.
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DIREK SIGRID BERNARDO
Opening the event was Filipina director Sigrid Bernardo, who hosted a roundtable discussion on the role of women in cinema.
She also presented her acclaimed short film May at Nila, a poignant love story set during the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines.
The film explores themes of love, identity, and reincarnation through the eyes of two women, May and Nila, whose connection transcends time and struggles.
Their tale reveals a past life as Oryang and Maria Clara, two women whose love story endured despite the hardships they faced.
Direk Sigrid also helmed the short film Babae (2005), which was screened during the opening night held last November 22 at SM Aura.
The 20-minute film is a coming-of-age film of two women who live in an urban slum community situated beside railroad tracks.
It was her first short film.
Describing the making of Babae, Direk Sigrid said: "My background is in theater and at that time, I didn't have any resources for film school.
"I said, if I'm going to make my first short film, it should be something I really want and I know how to talk about it.
"I decided to make a film about women and women's issues and struggles."
How did she pick the women's issues that she would portray on the screen?
She replied, "I am a woman so I already know the issues of women.
"I've been really wanting to watch films about different issues and maybe watch it in a different way, like in a fun way."
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FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP
Meanwhile, French director Noémie Lefort takes the stage for a special roundtable discussion at SM North – The Block, where she discussed her film My Heroin.
Lefort will also conduct a masterclass for aspiring filmmakers at the University of the Philippines, sharing her insights on the art of film direction.
In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the UP Film Institute hosts a screening of Annie Colère (Angry Annie), followed by a debate with feminist groups and civil society organizations, sparking conversation around the pressing issue of gender-based violence.
With a stunning lineup of films and engaging discussions, the 2024 French Film Festival is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, gender, and cinema.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of women's voices in film. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
To view the screening schedule, visit the official of French Embassy in Manila.