Showcasing the Israel's wide diversity, award-winning and acclaimed Israeli films were brought in for the delight of the Filipino people and local Jewish community to showcase the many facets of Israeli culture and society.
The Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, H.E. Menashe Bar On led the festival's opening ceremonies and invited the Filipino audience to experience the exciting and award-winning films brought in.
The Embassy also partnered with the cast and crew of lauded independent film "Transit" starring Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ping Medina; produced by Paul Soriano and directed by Hannah Espia.
The official poster of the 12th Israeli Film Festival
Speaking
on behalf of the Transit team, Soriano thanked the Ambassador for the
invitation and expressed his pleasure in working with the Embassy in this
endeavor. Soriano also said the team was privileged to be the guests of honor
during the Festival.
Transit,
which dominated this year's Cinemalaya awards in the New Breed category, will
be capping the 12th Israeli Film Festival, in cooperation with the
Israeli Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. The film has already generated
favorable reviews and a cult following in Israel.
Aside
from the strong bonds of friendship between Israel and the Philippines, the
Film Festival will touch upon the lives of different cultures and lifestyles in
Israel: modern and traditional; Arabs and Jews; religious and secular, among
others.