Crowds packing New York PH Center’s summer film screenings

Audience at a jam-packed Philippine Center in New York viewing a lineup of short films during the second night of Sinehan sa Summer 2019. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK — More than 170 film-goers packed the Aug. 8 screening of 12 short films featured during the second night of the Philippine Consulate General New York’s Sinehan sa Summer 2019.

Sinehan sa Summer 2019 runs every Thursday in August, at 6:30 p.m. at the Philippine Center. Admission is free. Indie film “Kung Paano Siya Nawala” is set to close the Sinehan sa Summer series on Aug. 29.

The second night’s 12 featured short films, all directed by Filipino and Filipino-American upcoming filmmakers, were Joey Agbayani’s Lola; Carlo Francisco Manatad’s Jodilerks Dela Cruz: Employee of the Month; Craig Nisperos’ Mr. Immature;Jameelah Rose Lineses’ Atareek; Gabby Malvar’s Walis; Joel Ruiz’s Mansyon; Nicole Dizon’s Boxed; Raymund Eugenio’s Mukbang Masarap; Emma Noelle Buhain’sWedding Dance; Mika Fabella & Rafael Froilan’s Yakap; Wester Demandante’s Kaaway; and Rommel Tolentino’s “P.” The trailer of the film “Yellow Rose” directed by Diane Paragas was played at the beginning of the film screening.

The short films received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the mixed audience of Filipino, Filipino Americans, and non-Filipinos. One described some of the films as “thought-provoking.” Lola, Mansyon, and “P” elicited much laughter from the audience.

During the talk-back at the end of the screening, film directors Craig Nisperos, Jameelah Rose Lineses, Nicole Dizon, Raymund Eugenio, and Diane Paragaswere at hand to answer questions from moderator Gil Quito and the audience.

Responding to a question about challenges and opportunities they encountered in telling their stories, Mukbang Masarap Director Raymund Eugenio said that “family and food are the two things that always connect us and are always part of Filipino culture.”

Boxed Director Nicole Dizon shared that she wants to bridge the generational gap between her parents’ generation and that of the young Fil-Ams, particularly during this time when culture in America tends to be individualistic.

Yellow Rose Director Diane Paragas shared that it took her 15 years to develop and get the film produced. She added that the final release of the film comes at an opportune time when debate on immigration is intense.

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal presented certificates of appreciation to the directors present and thanked them for allowing their films to be featured in the Sinehan sa Summer.

Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate likewise thanked the screening committee members, Cinemalaya, TBA Studios, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and members of Friends from Abra, Association of Fil-Am Accountants Inc. NY (AFAA- NY), Cagayan de Oro City – Misamis Oriental Association of NY, Inc. (CDO-MISOR), Cebuanos Engaging in Building Unity, Inc. (C.E.B.U.), and the Filipino-American Association of Engineers (FAAE) for their continuous support to the Sinehan sa Summer 2019.