On 13-15 December 2018, the Philippine Embassy in Rome and Sentro Rizal Rome chapter, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), conducted the Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia (Philippine Film Festival in Italy) which was held at the Casa del Cinema in Rome, Italy.

The film festival was held through FDCP’s Philippine Embassies Assistance Program (PEAP), of which Post is the first full-fledged recipient. The PEAP aims to assist and make it easier to support FSPs in their film-related activities. The event also celebrates the 100th anniversary of Philippine cinema and is the first Filipino film festival in Rome directly organized by the Philippine government.

The Philippine Embassy in Rome, headed by Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco, and Film Development Council of the Philippines, headed by Chairperson Mary Liza B. Diño, host the first conducted the Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia (Philippine Film Festival in Italy) on 13-15 December 2018 at the Casa del Cinema in Rome, Italy

An Opening Reception attended by the diplomatic corps, Italian officials, and Italian movie stakeholders was held on 13 December 2018. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco, in his welcome remarks, noted that the festival demonstrates both Filipino artistry in cinema and Philippine cultural and natural heritage. With over 160,000 Filipinos in Italy, this project is seen as an opportunity to promote cultural understanding between Filipinos and Italians. Ambassador Nolasco further stated, “With the festival, we wanted to showcase the various aspects of Filipino culture, old and new, and give the audience a preview of the beauty of our country.”

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Mary Liza B. Diño welcome the guests during the Opening Night of the Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia (Philippine Film Festival in Italy) on 13 December 2018 at the Casa del Cinema

In her remarks, Guest of Honor, FDCP Chairperson Mary Liza B. Diño, stated, “I am proud to address you all here today as the official partner of our Philippine Embassy here in Italy to host the very first Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia featuring an incredible lineup of eight contemporary films that features diverse stories and perspectives of the Filipino people.” Chairperson Diño highlighted that the Philippines is currently celebrating one hundred years of Philippine cinema which attests to the creative and passionate dedication of Filipino filmmakers and storytellers to produce stories that, while uniquely Filipino, are also universal in themes. She also conveyed appreciation for Philippine Foreign Service Posts for showcasing Filipino films as part of sharing Philippine culture to foreign countries.

Following the Opening Reception was the screening of the period musical Ang Larawan by Loy Arcenas, which is based on the play by Filipino National Artist for Literature Nick Joquin while the music was written Filipino National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

A Filipino Night was held on 15 December 2018, which was followed by the showing of the film Paki by Giancarlo Abrahan.

Guest of Honor, FDCP Chairperson Diño, conveyed that the film festival is a good opportunity to make Filipino films accessible not only to the foreign audience but also to Filipinos living and working abroad. Chairperson Diño shared that FDCP, with the Philippine Embassy in Rome, intends to continue this endeavor and bring in a more diverse selection of films next year.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Domingo P. Nolasco and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Mary Liza B. Diño with the members of the Filipino community in Rome during the Filipino Night of the Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia (Philippine Film Festival in Italy) on 15 December 2018 at the Casa del Cinema

Six other films shown during the three-day festival include Bamboo Flowers by Maryo J. de los Reyes, Camp Sawi by Irene Villamor, Si Chedeng at Si Apple by Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada, and Smaller and Smaller Circles by Raya Martin, Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok by Lauren Faustino, and Mr. and Mrs. Cruz by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo.