On its 22nd year, Cine Europa continued to showcase films from Europe to the people of this island province for five years now as the Provincial Government of Palawan hosted the opening of the festival last Oct 25 at SM Puerto Princesa with the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, Mr. Thomas Wiersing, as guest of honor.
Eleven (11) movies were shown that delved on the enduring tales of love, friendship, faith, triumph and courage. These were from embassies of Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Wiersing, during the opening ceremony, said that European Union is happy in bringing the festival in Palawan, and it is a breath of fresh air for them that’s why they also held “Padyak Para sa Kalikasan” a bike tournament event that was held last Oct 26.
“Cine Europa is the concrete showcase of EU’s partnership in the Philippines because of our shared values, depth and diversity, to reflect the rich culture of Europe,” Wiersing said.
Cine Europa started in 1998 and it’s the longest and most comprehensive film festival in the country as it takes place in nine cities in a variety of venues from theaters to malls and universities including Palawan State University.
It opened last September 24 in Manila and traveled to six cities in the country. The festival is presented by the EU Delegation to the Philippines and the Embassies of Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom, as well as Alliance Francaise in Manila, the British Council, the Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, and the Philippine-Italian Association.
Executive Assistant to the Governor Samuel Magbanua headed the opening celebration with Palawan Tourism Association President Debbie Tan, City Councilor Victor Oliveros, City Administrator Albert Pedrosa, Russell Fernandez of SM City Puerto Princesa and former Board Member Ernesto Llacuna were in attendance. Palawan Dance Ensemble, together with the Capitol Choir, performed local dances and songs during the program.
The movie “The Tiger Theory” from Czech Republic was the opening film. Cine Europa in Palawan opened last Oct 24 until 27 at the cinemas of SM City Puerto Princesa. It was free to the public.