Group photo of Embassy officials and guests after the screening of the documentary The Woman Behind the Tattoo Artist
Philippine cinema took the spotlight during the inaugural Philippine Film Festival (PFF) which the Embassy of the Philippines in Pretoria organized from 26 to 29 November 2024 at the Embassy conference room.
With the theme Pelikula: A Celebration of Philippine Cinema, the flagship cultural activity sought to (1) tap into the potent power of film diplomacy to introduce the Philippines and its culture to the South African people; and (2) foster greater awareness of the South African people on the Philippines’ vibrant film culture.
For the duration of the event, the Embassy held one-time screenings of the following carefully curated Filipino films: (1) Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (Goyo: The Young General) by Jerrold Tarog; (2) Insiang by the late Philippine National Artist for Film Catalino “Lino” Brocka; (3) Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok (The Woman Behind the Tattoo Artist) by Lauren Sevilla Faustino; and (4) Ano ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap (The Colors of Forgotten Dreams) by Jose Javier Reyes.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees such as students, academics, diplomats, friends of the Embassy, as well as members of the Filipino community.
Before each screening, First Secretary and Consul Maurice Tiempo provided the context to help attendees better understand and appreciate the featured films. For instance, in his introduction of Insiang and The Colors of Forgotten Dreams, he highlighted the Philippines’ strong cinematic traditions of social realism and melodrama.
A simple salo-salo (buffet) of Filipino delicacies complemented the visual feast enjoyed by the audience.
Guests interact and enjoy Filipino food after each screening
The event was made possible through the valuable support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) under its Philippine Embassies Assistance Program, as well as TBA Studios (producer of Goyo).
The Embassy also received generous funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural Diplomacy for the event.
Reflecting on the successful outcome of the film festival, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja remarked “The PFF offered a special platform for the Embassy to showcase, share and honor the country’s diverse and rich cinematic cultures to the host country and its people. Film has the transformative power to enhance cultural and people-to-people understanding between the Philippines and South Africa.”
Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja engages with a guest
