27th French Film Festival goes to Cebu with feminist theme

CEBU CITY – The 27^th French Film Festival opened at SM Cebu cinemas from March 28-30 with feminist theme offering a selection of films that focus on women and girls in their different roles they play in society, as a student, an athlete, a friend, a lover, in line with the celebration of March as “Women’s Month.”

“Gender equality is a core value of the French Republic. This is the first time that the French Film Festival is held in Cebu and we decided to make it feminist, the perfect time to advocate in favor of women's rights. This is part of our feminist French diplomacy,” Counsellor for Cultural Cooperation at the Embassy of France, Mathilde Séjourné said at the opening of the film festival at SM Cinema 2, SM City Cebu, March 28.

Séjourné said that they were very happy to make this festival feminist because it's an occasion to show movies of female French, French female movie directors, but also to show movies who give an insightful portrait of women.

Through the years, the festival has offered audiences a taste of French culture, glimpse of Paris and the countryside, as well as a feel of French society through romance, comedy, drama, action and this is the firs edition of the feminist French film festival, Séjourné added.

“We are honored to celebrate the opening of the 27th French Film Festival in Cebu. This year's edition is particularly meaningful as it shines a spotlight on feminist cinema, featuring insightful and compelling narratives about women.  At SM, we believe in the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and bridge cultures,” SM Supermalls Regional Public Relations Head for VisMin, Rj Leduna, in his welcome remarks said.

As the leading cinema destination in the country, SM takes pride in bringing films from around the world to Filipino audiences-whether it's showcasing the artistry of French filmmaking, the dynamism of Asian cinema, or the films of Hollywood.  “We are especially proud to support films that champion women's voices and stories, reinforcing our commitment to gender equality and empowerment through the arts,” Leduna added.

“The festival aims to display the power of French culture through cinema and arts.  The French Embassy at a special film festival in Cebu, along with trusted partners, aims to showcase female-directed French movies, emphasizing the potential of younger female directors,” Gauthier Carol, Exec. Director, Alliance Française de Cebu said.

                         

The Film Festival in Cebu selected five films: Fragile (Hard Shell Soft Shell), A Tale of Love and Desire, Spring Blossom, The Rapture, and Marinette.   The festival is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines in cooperation with the Alliance Française de Cebu, the SM Supermalls, and with the support of the Arts Council of Cebu and MLhuillier. (Photos: MBCNewman)