French director Nils Tavernier was the guest of honor at the red carpet opening night of the 24th French Film Festival in the Philippines at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City on June 11. As a yearly homage to French and Filipino cinema, the opening reception of the French Film Festival gathered film professionals, the diplomatic corps, government officials, businessmen, the media, francophones, and francophiles for an elegant evening of the French art de vivre.
Present at the event were French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, Film Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Liza Diño, Filipino filmmakers Raymond Red, Joey Romero,Babyruth Villarama, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Nerissa Picadizo, Atom Magadia, actors Mon Confiado and Andrea del Rosario, and National Artist Benedicto Cabrera.
The son of renowned French director Bertrand Tavernier, Nils Tavernier presented his latest work, L’Incroyable Histoire du Facteur Cheval (The Ideal Palace), as the opening film of the festival, and his 2014 film De Toutes nos Forces (The Finishers) on the occasion of Fathers’ Day. While in Manila, he also led a masterclass on acting and directing with young and aspiring filmmakers at the University of the Philippines Film Institute.
The French Film Festival once again paid tribute to Philippine cinema on June 12, Philippine Independence Day, with the screening of Pepe Diokno’s Above the Clouds. National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik was also present to interact with the audience following the screening of his 1977 film, Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare).
Following its run at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas and the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Metro Manila on June 12 to 18 and at the Ayala Center Cebu on June 20 to 22, the French Film Festival will continue to offer audiences an alternative form of cinema that explores the depths of human relationships and the importance of family as it makes its way to the Abreeza Mall in Davao City, June 28 to 30 and to the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City from July 10 to 12.
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The Filipino family’s interest through ‘Kapamilya Konek’ and ‘Good Vibes’
DZMM continues to look after the interest of Filipino families through programs that provide information and assistance to enrich their lives with knowledge, wellness, and happiness.
Two of these shows are Kapamilya Konek with anchors Jing Castaneda and Susan Afan, and Good Vibes with Niña Corpuz, Dra. Luisa Ticzon-Puyat, and Ahwel Paz, that both raise and address the needs and concerns of the family.
Jing, a seasoned journalist who is also known now as “Mommy Jing” for her active discussion of family-related topics on TV, radio, and online, said that it is important to have programs like Kapamilya Konek that guides Filipinos on how to handle and deal with different issues affecting them.
“Being a parent nowadays is more complicated than before. You have to be armed with information that will help ensure the safety, good health, and happiness of the entire family,” said Jing, who is also the current head of Bantay Bata 163 under the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI).
In the program, she and Susan get to discuss some of their programs in ALKFI, OFW concerns, as well as tackle sensitive and controversial topics like mental health, HIV, and usual issues within families so Filipinos will also know how to face and find solutions for these problems.
“Family-related topics are always relevant and we will always be here to guide Filipinos and give them information and inspiration that they need,” said Susan, who also serves as the managing director of ALKFI.
Meanwhile, it is the goal of Good Vibes to also care for the family by providing them positive stories as well as reliable medical information needed to ensure the well-being of each member of the family.
“We believe that the success of the country starts with the health and wellness of every Filipino. To help achieve this, we have a segment that offers free consultations with some of the best doctors in the land for our kababayans, especially those who are in far-flung areas and without access to proper health care,” explained Niña, an award-winning journalist.
Dra. Luisa, who joins the program every Wednesday and Thursday, added that they also highlight stories of ordinary Filipinos whose achievements or kindness can uplift the spirits of their listeners and viewers.
“With all the bad news that we get to read or watch, our program is here to share the good news and stories of modern-day heroes that can make people smile, inspire them, and teach them to be kind,” she said.
On Fridays, Good Vibes also has Papa Ahwel, who promises to bring more fun in the program apart from his usual creative ideas on how families can bond in the weekend. “Expect news about your favorite stars that bring good vibes. We know many fans find joy in hearing good stories about their idols,” he said.
As ABS-CBN celebrates its 65th year in public service, Filipinos can expect even better reporting and service from Kapamilya Konek, Good Vibes and the other programs of DZMM.Kapamilya Konek airs every Sunday at 5 pm, and Good Vibes, Monday to Friday,1 pm on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo. Listen or watch the programs online through audio streaming on dzmm.com.ph and livestreaming on iWant.
