Cristine Reyes graces 2nd Siné Film Fest in Toronto
Photos from sineinstitute/Instagram
Toronto’s creative scene came alive from April 10 to 13 as the second edition of Siné Film Fest unfolded and brought together a dynamic mix of Filipino Canadian filmmakers, artists and film lovers.
Organized by the Siné Institute, a Canadian-based non-profit dedicated to supporting emerging creatives and influential leaders in the arts, the festival served as a platform for showcasing Filipino talent and sparking cross-cultural conversations.
The four-day event featured a variety of screenings, panels and artist talks that centered on celebrating global Filipino storytelling.
Among the major highlights was the attendance of Filipina actress Cristine Reyes, who graced the festival with her presence as her 2024 Philippine action-adventure film “The Kingdom” was screened.
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Her appearance added excitement to the event, especially among fans eager to see a strong female lead in a high-octane Filipino production.
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Another moment came with the screening of “Sunshine,” an award-winning film that recently won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, directed by Antoinette Jadaone and starring Maris Racal.
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The film showing was followed by a question and answer session featuring Jadaone and fellow filmmaker Dan Villegas.
In an Instagram post, the Siné Institute reflected on the success of the festival: “That’s a wrap on the 2nd edition of Siné Film Fest! What a journey—3 days of unforgettable screenings, packed panels, artist talks, and electric energy from our community of filmmakers, cinephiles, and culture shapers.”
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The statement described the event as “a love letter to global Filipino storytelling,” highlighting its role in strengthening artistic and cultural ties across borders.
“Huge thanks to our audiences, partners, volunteers, and every single artist who trusted us with their work,” they added.
With new connections formed, stories shared and communities uplifted, the Siné Film Fest continues to inspire future collaborations between Filipino and Canadian creatives. And as organizers declared, they’re just getting started.
