ICYMI: The 26th French Film Festival, hosted by the Embassy of France and SM
A special evening with French Cinema icon Emmanuelle Beart
If you missed it, here’s a recap of the remarkable opening weekend of the 26th French Film Festival, hosted by the Embassy of France and SM at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia. The event was graced by the presence of the iconic French cinema figure, Emmanuelle Beart.
The night was filled with courage, hope, and inspiration, and it held a special significance as it coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. Emmanuelle Beart, a renowned French cinema icon, aimed to raise awareness and support for the Cameleon Association. Over the past 26 years, this organization has dedicated itself to protecting and healing young girl survivors of violence and abuse.
Emmanuelle personally inaugurated the festival by introducing her documentary, “Un Silence Si Bruyant” (Such a Resounding Silence). The documentary bravely addresses the abuses she endured in her youth, with the objective of shedding light on the struggles of incest victims and illustrating how they managed to move forward and rebuild after the ravages of abuse. This cinematic project, co-created with Anastasia Mikova over several years, not only serves as a compelling endeavor but also stands as a powerful statement against violence and abuse towards women and children.
The gala also served as an opportunity to honor outstanding Filipino alumni in the Philippines, a tradition inaugurated during the 75th Anniversary of Philippine-French Diplomatic Relations in 2022. The Alumni Awards recognized four remarkable individuals for their notable contributions: filmmaker and film historian Nick de Ocampo (Atelier du Formacion Au Cinema) from the UP Film Institute; internationally recognized Balai Palma chef Aaron Isip (Le Cordon Bleu); Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute (master’s degree in International Brand Luxury Management at ESSEC in Paris); and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan (Masters in Business Administration at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris).
In addition to the French business community, diplomatic corps, and media, the gala saw the attendance of Philippine film industry luminaries, including Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Tirso Cruz III, actor Cesar Montano, and award-winning director Mark Meily. This year’s festival featured a carefully curated selection of 20 films, showcasing new releases, box office hits, and classics that highlight the icons of French cinema.
