French embassy cancels film festival opening night

The French Embassy in Manila announced on Wednesday that it will cancel the opening night of the French Film Festival due to “security reasons.”

“It is with regret that the Embassy of France to the Philippines, following the advice of its partners and sponsors, has deemed it best, for security reasons, to cancel the red carpet opening night of the 22nd French Film Festival on June 8, 2017, 6:00 pm at Central Square, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig,” the Embassy said in a statement. 

It did not elaborate on the specific “security reasons” but it said, “Due to recent events, we are taking extra safety precautions and refraining from holding large events.”

“We are therefore recommending not to push through with the opening ceremony of the festival on June 8, but to continue with the regular screenings (without an opening event),” it said, adding that public screenings will be held from June 9 to 17 at the Greenbelt 3 and Bonifacio High Street. 

Besides the continuing clashes in Marawi City, which resulted in the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, more than 30 people were killed in a recent attack in Resorts World Manila. Authorities said the attack was not terrorism related.

The French Embassy said inquiries can be sent to [email protected] or 0926-638-8728.