ASEAN Film Festival in Geneva Kicks Off with Pinoy Film "Boses"

The opening of the 2017 ASEAN Film Festival was recently held at the United Nations Palais des Nations building with the film "Boses" kicking off the start of the festival. This is in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Among those who did the opening remarks for the event was Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations Evan P. Garcia who spoke highly of the dynamic film industry in South East Asia and its footprints in the worldwide market. He adds that the ASEAN film industry now has many opportunities with a number of outstanding productions that have won attention at international film festivals, such as Cannes (France) and Busan (the Republic of Korea). Garcia added ASEAN nations have also been an alluring destination to foreign filmmakers who are impressed by the region’s magnificent landscapes, prosperity and creativeness.

The 2017 ASEAN Film Festival features films originated from ASEAN member states to share the diversity and way of life of the ASEAN community, cultivate a better understanding on their values and cultures and encourage and celebrate their film productions.

The opening film "Boses" is about a violinist named Ariel who offered violin lessons to Onyok, a child abused and traumatized by his father causing him to become mute. Through music, Ariel and Onyok develop a friendship and, in the process, Ariel realizes Onyok’s potential and talent for playing the violin.

"Boses" is directed by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, and stars Julian Duque, Coke Bolipata, Ricky Davao, Cherry Pie Picache. It garnered twenty-three (23) nominations from various Philippine-based film festivals and film awarding bodies, such as the 2008 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and the 2009 Gawad Urian Awards. It also won eight (8) awards in the 2009 Philippine Golden Screen Awards, and 2009 Philippine Star Awards for Movies.

The ASEAN Film Festival is held from 27 March to 7 April 2017 at Cinema (Room XIV), 1/F, Building A (Door 17) of the Palais des Nations. The films will screen at 12:30 p.m. everyday.

The ASEAN Film Festival will feature films originated from ASEAN Member States. The objectives of the ASEAN Geneva Film Festival 2017 include; Sharing the diversity and way of life of the ASEAN communities; Cultivating a better understanding on the values and cultures of ASEAN communities; Presenting ASEAN’s achievements and challenges in advancing socioeconomic developments of its people; Encouraging and celebrate film productions in ASEAN countries.

[Due to limited seating, those who do not hold a UN ground badge are kindly requested to register atacg2017@genevapm.ph indicating the movies they would like to attend 48 hours before the screening. Please bring a photo identification with you. No parking available for non-accredited vehicles. (Palais des Nations – 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, Geneva 10. Entry: Pregny Gate)]
[RETURN TO MAIN PAGE]