 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation/Siné Institute) |
In commemoration of the 75th year of Canadian and Philippine friendship, Siné Institute and ABS-CBN International present the inaugural SINÉ FILM FEST to be held on April 12-14, 2024, at the Hotel X in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. SINÉ FILM FEST celebrates the vibrant Filipino presence in cinema and curates a selection of select movies that spotlights the Filipino film industry and demonstrates its significant contribution to the global cinematic landscape. Attendees get the chance to see a diverse selection of films that offer a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines.
The partnership between presenters, Siné Institute and ABS-CBN International, optimizes the benefits of the ongoing film treaty between the Canadian government (through Telefilm Canada) and the Philippines which facilitates film, television, and video co-productions between the two countries. Aside from strengthening cultural and economic exchanges, the treaty could help expand the audio-visual production and distribution industries for Canada and the Philippines. Aside from the film screenings, SINÉ FILM FEST will host educational workshops in collaboration with Toronto Film School. These workshops will provide participants with important insights into the colorful world of film. They also get to see what career opportunities are available in the industry. A few weeks earlier, the organizers held the 48-hour Siné Challenge where budding filmmakers from all over the world competed in a limited-time challenge that required them to feature a Character, a Key Prop, and a Line that were announced ten (10) minutes before the challenge started. The winner of the Siné Challenge will be showcased at SINÉ FILM FEST.
The featured film from ABS-CBN International is Star Cinema’s “Hello Love, Goodbye", a romantic drama set in Hong Kong directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. This film holds relevance to Filipino immigrants across the globe. It depicts the intertwined lives of Joy (Kathryn Bernardo), a domestic helper who excels at her job but still dreams of finding a better future in Canada, and Ethan (Alden Richards), a bartender content with his life in Hong Kong. Their stories shed light on the experiences of overseas Filipino workers, highlighting the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of their dreams. The narrative of "Hello, Love, Goodbye" resonates deeply with Filipino immigrants. It shows how cross-migration is common among Filipino migrants worldwide and paints a clear picture of shared experiences of striving for a better life while navigating the complexities of migration. The Star Cinema film is an important addition to SINÉ FILM FEST as it enriches cultural dialogue and understanding for the Filipino diaspora.
Film enthusiasts, industry professionals, trade delegates from the Philippines, and special guests are among those who will be in attendance. SINÉ FILM FEST hopes to foster a welcoming atmosphere where participants can connect, collaborate, create, and celebrate the art of cinema together. For more information and updates on the event, be sure to visit and follow SINÉ FILM FEST on its Instagram and Facebook accounts.
