Laurice Guillen
The Philippines’ leading independent film festival is adding a section showcasing Asian films, offering a venue for filmmakers facing censorship in other parts of Asia.
Organizers of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition said Thursday the Independents: Asia section of the festival will be opened by Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed “Coming Home” starring Chinese actress Gong Li.
Also to be shown are 10 award-winning films from China, Japan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen says the Philippines enjoys one of the freest independent film scenes in Asia so movies censored in filmmakers’ home countries can be screened at the festival.
The festival runs from Aug. 7 to 15 in Manila.