August 01, 2009 07:26 PM Saturday [ journal.com.ph ]
LIVING up to its name as the “Global City,” Taguig will play host to two prestigious international events this year: The Cinemanila International Film Festival and the 2009 World Pyrolympics.
Now on its 11th year, Cinemanila is an annual exposition of the best of World Cinema to the Philippines and the showcase of the best of Filipino films to the rest of the world. The World Pyrolympics, on the other hand, is a spectacle and competition of the best fireworks produced by different countries.
Taguig Mayor Freddie R. Tiñga believes that these two international events are key to putting the city in the world map and be recognized as the premiere city in the Philippines.
“It is definitely a great honor for our city and our people for being chosen by the organizers as the new home for their events. These events are a big boost for our city and are a testament that Taguig has arrived,” Mayor Tiñga said.
Acclaimed director Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz, founder of Cinemanila, said the film festival’s move to Taguig is consistent with the city and its current administration’s vision of moving forward and putting the country in the global spotlight.
“We believe that Taguig is the perfect home for Cinemanila. We have always admired Mayor Tiñga’s political and artistic will to implement the necessary changes in the city. And this is evident with Taguig’s rapid growth and development,” Aguiluz said.
Considered as the “Sundance Film Festival of Asia,” Cinemanila has promoted the best of Filipino films to world cinema audiences and has championed the development of new and independent Filipino filmmakers.
Since its inception in 1999, the film festival has brought to the country movie industry veterans such as Chris Doyle (Hero, In the Mood for Love), Indonesian actress and Cannes jury member Christine Hakim, Fil-Am Hollywood personalities Tia Carrere and Lou Diamond Phillips, and American cult icon Quentin Tarantino.
Cinemanila will run from October 15 to 24 at Market! Market! Cinemas in Fort Bonifacio.
The World Pyrolympics, on the other hand, a fireworks competition organized by La Mancha Pyro Productions Inc., will be held at the Fort Bonifacio, Global City, and run from November 7 to December 6, 2009.
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