For 9 consecutive years a mix of educational institutions and organizations like the Ateneo De manila University, Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese studies, the Cultural division of the People’s Republic of China, the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo De Manila, Ateneo Celadon and Shangri La Plaza have come together to hold the Spring Film festival.
from left: Confucian Inst. Dir Liu Xiao Fang, Ricardo Leong founder of Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, P.R.O.C Emb. Counselor for Political Affairs Pan Feng, ADMU Pres. Fr. Jett Villarin, Dr. Rosita Leong benefactor- Leong Initiative for Ateneo Internationalization, Shangri La Plaza EVP & Gen Mgr Lala Fojas, Confucius Inst Dir Dr Ellen Palanca, Intl Studies for Chinese Arts Pres George Uy and ADMU Chinese Painting Prof. Ceasar Cheng. Watch THE GRANDMASTER (starring Zhang Zhi Yi&Tony Leung), animation film THE LEGEND OF KUNG FU RABBIT and other Chinese films for free in Spring Film Festival at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from Feb 13-22
This year, THE GRANDMASTER starring Zhang Zhi Yi and Tony Leung, CAUGHT IN THE WEB (Gao Yuan Yuan and Mark Chao), children’s animation hit LEGEND OF KUNG FU RABBIT are just a few of the titles that can be seen for free at the Shang Cineplex as part of the fest running from Feb 13-22, 2015
The event has grown to having a Chinese Painting Exhibit, which will run from Feb 12-20. Workshops by renowned teachers such as Ceasar Cheng will be open to the public for free on Feb 14 & 20. A Lion / Dragon Dance exhibition will also be held on Feb 21 all activities will be held at the Shang Rila Plaza Mall.
In his speech, Ateneo De Manila University President Fr. Jett Villarin praised the fest as more than just a collection of screenings and activities, “9 years these are significant opportunities for Filipinos especially the youth to understand the rich culture and language and heritage of China. It is our hope that understanding and appreciation will lead to greater peace and harmony among our peoples. It is only when we learn to look at the world with each other’s eyes that we can understand each other and discover our shared humanity. It is so important that we look at the world with each other’s eyes. This is what we’re trying to do even within our own Philippines. That is the gift that these films, these paintings and other exhibits give us.”
Shangri La Plaza EVP & Gen Mgr Lala Fojas reminded attendees of the opening, “Tonight is truly a night of new beginnings in more ways than one. At the Shang Cineplex the Spring Film Festival will kick off our highly anticipated line up of premiere international film festivals for the year. We thank our festival partners who have become good friends throughout the years.” Among the international film fests held at Shang Cineplex are the Silent Film Festival, Cine Europa and Eiga Sai.
P.R.O.C. Emb. Counselor for Political Affairs Pan Feng credited ADMU & the Ricardo Leong Center for helping promote Chinese culture; “The Chinese film industry has made rapid development & improvement in recent years. China is now the third largest film producer in the world after India and the U.S. By watching these movies it will open a window to a rich and colorful Chinese culture. With the effort of the Ateneo De Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, the Spring film festival has been successfully held the past 9 years with an increasingly positive and important interest from Philippine society.”
Written and photographed
VERY WANG 