Renowned Filipino Filmmakers through the lens of Oscar Orengo

Instituto Cervantes, in celebration of the 8th edition of Película, launched a photo exhibit featuring several fundamental figures of the contemporary Philippine cinema last October 6, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Brilliante Mendoza

Dubbed as “Eksena: Mga Sineastang Pilipino (Filipino Filmmakers),” the exhibit displays the work of renowned Spanish photographer Oscar Orengo. On display are photographs of 44 Filipino directors and actors. Top-billing the exhibit are photos of award winning and renowned local directors like Peque Gallaga, Jose Javier Reyes, Eddie Romero, Joel Lamangan, Maryo J. delos Reyes, Brilliante Mendoza and Jeffrey Jeturian. The younger directors such as Erik Matti and John Torres are also included.

Película Spanish Film Festival 2009 Screening Schedules

It’s a triple treat for film buffs as Instituto Cervantes de Manila brings back Película, the biggest annual Spanish Film Festival in Asia, at chosen venues in Metro Manila for the whole month of October.


Due to the past successes of its first seven seasons, organizers have doubled the number of films (this year more than 40!), gone from one to three venues and lengthened the film festival. Cultural events have also been calendared, in line with the theme of this year’s festival: Locos por el cine or Adik sa Pelikula.

With new partnerships forged by Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Spanish Embassy, and the strengthening support from Spanish filmmakers, last year’s attendance by cinema enthusiasts is expected to increase this year. Last year, more than 15,000 spectators attended the Festival.

Selection of films will be divided into four groups this year: Official section (at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas), a Cycle of Spanish & Filipino documentaries (CCP), Spanish Cinema in 8 Films (screened at College of Saint Benilde), and a selection of Latin American indie productions entitled Cine en construcción, also scheduled at College of Saint Benilde.

Película is organized by Instituto Cervantes, in cooperation with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, AECID, Ministerio de Cultura of Spain, Filmoteca del Ministerio de AA.EE. de España, Cine en Construcción, Spanish Program for Cultural Cooperation, Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, LRT, MRT, Cultural Center of the Philippines, College of St.Benilde, Greenbelt and Ayala Malls Cinemas. Special thanks to Dusit Thani Manila - the official hotel residence, Qatar Airways - the official airline, Jaguar – the official luxury car and welovepost - the official post and design boutique.

Other sponsors are Alba Restaurante Español, Barcelo Café, Espa-Fil, Bai Capture, Icon Graphics, PostManila, Tooth Fairy productions, Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp., and Embajada de México. Media partners: 2nd Avenue, Lifestyle Asia, Lifestyle Travel and Business Mirror, ClickTheCity.com and Spot.ph (Online), UR 105.9 and RJ 100.3 (Radio).