‘CineJuana’ Film Festival caps 18-Day Campaign To End VAW
Believing that film is a powerful tool in shaping public perception and stand on various issues, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) launched the “CineJuana” – a film festival focusing on the issues of Violence Against Women (VAW).
The three-day film festival, which commenced on December 8, 2015 at the NCCA Leandro V. Locsin Auditorium in Intramuros, Manila, is part of the lined-up activities of the 18-Day Campaign To End VAW.
During the opening ceremonies, PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa said she hopes that featured films in CineJuana will change the perspective and views of the audience on VAW. She also encouraged the audience to take part in spreading public awareness not just on VAW but across all issues concerning women’s rights.
“Let us become instruments in eliminating VAW and we should begin in our homes. The spirit of observance continues beyond 18 days. Our collaboration with government agencies, civil society groups, academe and other stakeholders will bring about a VAW-free society,” Verzosa said.
The film festival was opened to the public for free, and featured the following:
Barber’s Tales – December 8 and 9, 9:00 AM
Walang Rape sa Bontok – December 8 and 9, 1:00 PM; December 10, 9:00 AM
Lauriana – December 8 and 9, 3:30 PM
The movies tackle violence against women and its ill effects not only on the individual who experiences it but to the community in general. The stories open the viewer’s mind to concepts like intimate partner violence, effects of witnessing VAW on children, and how changes in our society and culture tend to perpetuate and condone violence.
Verzosa encouraged the film makers to continue producing art pieces that serve as springboard for public discussions on subjects like VAW and women’s empowerment, noting the potential of this medium to reach a broader spectrum of audiences. She said that it is inspiring to see more positive messages and images of women in movies and other forms of mass media. She also encouraged the audiences to continue supporting Filipino movies that level up their storylines to issues of public interest.
PCW Commissioners Maria Lourdes Jacob (Culture and the Arts Sector) and Maria May-I Fabros (Youth Sector) facilitated the discussions after each screening. They were joined by Juliet Santos of Barbers Tales, and Mark Lester Valle and Carla Samantha Ocampo of Walang Rape sa Bontoc in responding to queries and reactions from the audience after each screening.
CineJuana 2015 was organized in partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
