The screening of the documentary film marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls
As part of the 26th French Film Festival and to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, the French Embassy in the Philippines and Micronesia in cooperation with SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas, recently presented the premiere of the documentary “Un Silence si Bruyant” (Such a Resounding Silence).
Globally known for her roles in Mission Impossible and Eight Women, iconic and multi-awarded French actress Emmanuelle Béart co-directed Such a Resounding Silence documentary, with Anastasia Mikova. Beart flew into Manila, especially for the red carpet premiere of the film at the SM MoA cinema. She is the Godmother of this year’s French Film Fest, rendering her voice for the advocacy of protecting women and girls. The documentary shares stories of four incest victims, and Beart’s own contribution.
With 55 movies in her career, Emmanuelle Béart is the modern icon of French cinema, made popular in her lead role in Manon des Sources (1986), La Belle Noiseuse (1991) and Nelly and Mr. Arnaud (1995), after she was noticed by film directors from her early roles in Premiers Désirs (1983) and Jean de Florette (1986). Her more recent films like Mission Impossible (1996), Les Destinées (2000), 8 Women (2001), and Replay (2001), have been international successes.
Representatives of the CAMELEON Association, an international non-government organization with local operations that promote children’s rights and advocates for the protection of women and children against violence, were also present during the screening of the documentary and the roundtable discussion with the press that followed.
CAMELEON Association will also bring Cirquera de CAMELEON to perform at the Gala Night to commemorate the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. The by-invitation-only Gala Night and Sunset Cocktails at SM MOA sky garden, an outdoor roof deck with a stunning view of the Manila Bay sunset, was also staged to formally launch the French Film Festival on the same day of the Such a Resounding Silence premiere.
Running from November 25 to December 3, a suite of about 21 French feature films will be shown at SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall, from box-office hits, New Wave, classic adaptations, documentaries, infectious tales of hope and resilience, to stories that underscore the importance of women’s rights and care for the environment.
2023 represents one of the most dynamic French film fests for the local audience. French and Filipinos share a common love for movies on the big screen. The cinema experience gives the audience a different dimension of watching films in solidarity with the community not just for entertainment but to discover fresh perspectives and support key advocacies. Whether it is the hilarity of a comedy, suspenseful sci-fi thrillers that will have one clinging to the edge of one’s seat, memorable dramas, or an eye-opening documentary, the curated French films are iconic in varied forms.
Also premiering for the first time in the Philippines is the blockbuster French film Acide (Acid Rain) at the SM MOA Cinema after the Gala reception. The movie tells the story of Selma, 15, who grew up between her two separated parents, Michal and Élise. Clouds of acidic and devastating rainfall on France. In a world that will soon collapse, this fractured family will have to come together to face this climatic catastrophe and try to escape it.
Other box-office hits in France this year will also be shown in SM MOA and SM Megamall as part of the French Film Festival: Bernadette (The President’s Wife), with lead actress Catherine Deneuve. The comedy film is inspired by the spouse of former French President Jacques Chirac. La Passion de Dodin Bouffant (The Taste of Things) a historical drama directed by Trần Anh Hùng and headlined by Juliette Binoche. Astérix et Obélix: L’Empire du Milieu (Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom), a comedy on France’s beloved fictional characters directed by Guillaume Canet and casts Marion Cotillard. Les Trois Mousquetaires – D’Artagnan (The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan) is an epic adaptation of a classic with a new character.
Must-see highlights of the 2023 French Film Festival are comprised of: Le Dernier Metro (The Last Metro) directed by François Truffaut, one of the founders of French New Wave cinema; Nelly et Monsieur Arnaud (Nelly & Mr. Arnaud), a modern classic 90s rom-com; Les Egares (Strayed); Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg); Les Choses qu’on dit, les choses qu’on fait (The Things We Say, The Things We Do); Le Règne Animal (Animal Kingdom); Alibi.com 2; Goliath; Les Deux Alfred (The Two Alfreds); Manon Des Sources (Manon of the Sources); D’Argent de Sang (Of Money and Blood); and Daaaali!
Modern rap and hip-hop culture in France are featured in these films: Indes Galantes (Gallant Indies), a documentary on hip-hop, krump, break and voguing dancers and Paris Opera directed by Clément Cogitore and choreographed Bintou Dembélé. The movie brings together urban dance and lyrical singing to reinvent Jean-Philippe Rameau’s baroque masterpiece, Les Indes Galantes. Supremes (Authentik), a fictional biopic on hip-hop culture and movement directed by Audrey Estrougo. A hip-hop showdown will also be held at SM Megamall on December 2 with the participation of university dance groups and independent dance groups.
The 26th French Film Festival in the Philippines is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Alliance française de Manille, INSTITUT FRANÇAIS in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, SM Super Malls, L’Oreal.
Regular tickets are at P150 and P100 for students, seniors, and PWDs at the SM MOA and SM Megamall Cinema ticket booths. Tickets are also available at www.smcinema.com. For the 26th French Film Festival schedule and further information, visit the French Embassy’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH
