By Jessica Maureen P. Gaurano
IN this year’s lineup, Cine Argentino will showcase a various set of films that differ with a broad spectrum of genres that aims to resonate with the Filipinos. Through these films, Cine Argentino hopes to show the diversity of Argentine society and its culture. This year, Cine Argentino, a film festival that shows the diversity in Argentine society, will familiarize its Filipino audience to a wide range of films from drama to black-and-white movies.
Additionally, the Embassy of Argentine Republic’s Chargé d’affaires Facundo D. Herrera said that Cine Argentino hopes to strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Argentina by introducing Argentinian culture through cinematic storytelling. Cine Argentino will feature five blockbusters from renowned Argentine filmmakers that have earned critical acclaim both locally and internationally. The film festival will open with El Clan (The Clan), a biographical crime film written and directed by Pablo Trapero, which is based on the true story of the notorious Puccio Clan known for murdering and kidnapping; followed by the Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film, Relatos Salvajes (Wild Tales), written and directed by Damian Szifron, an anthology that consists of six short tales that explore themes of social injustices and vengeance. These shorts are Pasternak, Las Ratas (The Rats), El Más Fuerte (The Strongest), Bombita (Little Bomb), La Propuesta (The Proposal) and Hasta que la muerte nos separe (Til Death Do Us Part). Also to be featured in the festival are Dos mas Dos (Two Plus Two), directed by Diego Caplan, a story that centers on family and romance; Ariel Winogard’s comedy Mamá se fue de viaje (10 Days Without Mom), which tells the story of a father who was left to care for his children when his wife decides to take a short vacation with a friend; and the black-and-white film La Luz Incident (Incident Light), directed by Ariel Rotter, which tells the intimate story about family, love and mourning that takes place in Buenos Aires during the 1960s. The story depicts the start of a complex relationship when a young widow with twin daughters encounters a charming yet mysterious gentleman.
For Herrera, what makes this year different from the previous film festivals is that the film lineup will have a more contemporary approach than the usual. The selected films will present an interesting take on the distinct perspectives of Argentine culture and the diversity of its society that will easily identify with its Filipino audiences. With a wide range of films, Cine Argentino aims to show the different angles of how the Argentine people are faced with societal ills such as greed, corruption and injustice.
Lala Fojas, Shangri-La executive vice president and general manager, shares her excitement to have Shangri-La Plaza host this year’s Cine Argentino once again as it returns for its 5th year. “It’s Shangri-La Plaza’s privilege to be Cine Argentino’s home here in the Philippines, and we hope our local audience continues to appreciate the beauty of Argentine culture through these cinematic masterpieces,” Fojas said.
Cine Argentino is presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Embassy of Argentine Republic. The filmfest will be screening the movies for free starting August 14 to 17 at the Red Carpet in Shangri-La Plaza.
1 comment
what about showing to the Philippines movies about “Nazis in Argentina” Sr Facundo D Herrera?