Hong Kong, 30 September 2024 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong participated in the “ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) 2024” through a public exhibit of three (3) outstanding and award-winning films: “K’na: The Dreamweaver,” “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” and “The Missing (Iti Mapukpukaw).”

The Festival, which run for two (2) weeks, from 5 to 28 September 2024, was organized by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation (HKAF) for the second year now. It presented a line-up of 20 featured films from all ten (10) ASEAN countries, marking a successful celebration of Southeast Asian cinematic talent in Asia’s World City.

The Philippine films that were featured in the Festival showcased a diverse array of stories, techniques, and genres that serve as testament to the abundance of talent and creativity within the Philippine film industry. These films reflect various aspects of Philippine culture and tradition, and present socially relevant themes.

“K’na: The Dreamweaver” by Director Ida del Mundo was screened last 14 September at the Miller Theatre, Asia Society Hong Kong. The Philippine Consulate hosted a reception for the Consular Corps, the Filipino business community, international and local media, and other project partners prior to the actual screening. The film was presented in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Set against the beauty of Lake Sebu in Mindanao, it tells the story of K’na, a dreamweaver from the T’boli tribe and daughter of the chieftain, who had to choose between honoring her obligation to her family and to her community over her own personal desires. It is an elegant storytelling of the culture and traditions of the indigenous T’boli tribe in South Cotabato. The film received the awards for Special Jury Prize and Best Production Design at the 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival. It also won the “Best of Show” award at the 13th Toronto Female Eye Festival in 2015.

“Hello, Love, Goodbye” by Director Cathy Garcia-Molina was screened last 13 September at the Emperor Cinemas, Entertainment Building in Central. As a certified crowd favorite, the film was once the highest grossing Philippine film of all time. The film, which was shot in Hong Kong, is about a young OFW who steadfastly pursued her dreams and aspirations while fulfilling her obligations to her family. A sequel is already underway for the fans of the film.

In addition to the separate screening of “Hello, Love, Goodbye” by the Philippine Consulate, HKAF also provided a complimentary screening of the same film for the Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong.

"The Missing (Iti Mapukpukaw)," by Director Carl Joseph Papa was screened on 14 and 22 September at M+ Museum in the Western Kowloon Cultural District. It was the first animated Philippine entry for the Best International Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. “The Missing” is an especially moving and socially relevant film that depicts how child abuse can affect their victims even upon reaching adulthood. It also stresses the importance of the role played by family and friends in helping these victims achieve emotional healing. After the screening, M+ hosted a special talk with Director Papa, to discuss about the development of the film and the story’s inspiration.

Philippine Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan expressed her appreciation to HKAF for organizing the Festival, allowing these Philippine films to shine as works of art and as means to promote Philippine culture to the rest of the world. She also praised the exceptional work of the Filipino filmmakers and actors who took part in making these three (3) films. She expressed her hope that the movies would “bring a better understanding of the aspirations of Filipinos and create a better appreciation of the personal sacrifices they have to endure to achieve their goals.” She further emphasized that, “all these films reflect the different aspects of Philippine culture and the many issues confronting many Filipinos today.”

The AFF is an initiative to promote ASEAN culture to the residents of Hong Kong, both local and foreign. It aims to foster greater appreciation for different cultures through these artistic exchanges.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 3,500 tickets redeemed at various cinemas and theaters for the screenings and sharing sessions with ASEAN filmmakers.

The AFF likewise hosted a cocktail reception on 20 September, wherein distinguished guests, including Acting Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Michael Wong Wai-lun, as well as key figures from the film industry, officials from ASEAN countries, and the business sector were present.