| Danial Norjidi |
THE Embassy of the Philippines in Brunei Darussalam marked 100 years of Philippine cinema in conjunction with the second edition of the Brunei Film Blitz (BFB) 2018 yesterday.
The BFB is part of the Brunei December Festival 2018, which is an initiative organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
This year’s BFB has placed focus on film education and the transfer of knowledge between filmmakers from around the globe and Brunei’s emerging filmmakers.
As part of the BFB, three films from the Philippines were screened yesterday, namely Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, Kita-Kita and Sonata.
All screenings were presented by Jollibee Brunei and supported by the Embassy of the Philippines in Brunei Darussalam, Centro Rizal, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and ABS-CBN.
Yesterday’s welcoming ceremony was attended by founder of Mahakarya Institute of Arts Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah binti Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Bey Muntassir.
Mahakarya Institute of Arts is the official venue of the BFB.
Also in attendance were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Charge D’Affaires from the Philippines Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Consul Pete Raymond V Delfin, Brunei’s first international female director Siti Kamaluddin, Kita-Kita film director Sigrid Bernardo, member of Filipino Film Critic Dr Roland Tolentino and Entertainment Editor of the Philippine Daily Enquirer Rito Asilo.
Consul Pete Raymond V Delfin said, “Today the Philippine movie industry is one of the most influential in the Philippines. In terms of commercial value, it is providing a lot of employment and a lot of milestones have already been reached.
“The three featured films for this day are a selection which we intend to show the rich Filipino experience, whether we are in the Philippines or abroad,” he said. “The films are a reflection of the Filipino identity as one constantly influenced by foreign interactions.”
Meanwhile, Director Sigrid Bernardo emphasised her excitement with this film initiative and the emergence of Brunei in the ASEAN and global film industry.
Dr Roland Tolentino said, “Films represent legacy and artistry. Film also represents a celebration of Philippine culture and identity. And with this event, we welcome Brunei Darussalam into the world cinema.”
Rito Asilo said, “I’m so happy and very thrilled to be part of this festival that not only showcases the skill and expertise of our exceptional Filipino filmmakers, but also because it provides a platform to tell the Filipino story all over the world.”
Siti Kamaluddin highlighted the importance of film as an export to a nation’s culture and encouraged filmmakers to work together to shape Brunei’s signature unique identity in film. She added that she welcomed the exchange of knowledge and information that will take place during the BFB.
“Film is a reflection of who we are, of our lives and our stories, and it is time for Brunei Darussalam to share our stories with the rest of the world,” she added.
Entrance to BFB international screenings is free. Seats can be reserved by logging onto the website and visiting the event registration page.