Films to watch in the online edition of the European Philippine International Film Festival

The current situation has failed to dampen the spirits of some film festivals from carrying on.

In hindsight, the disruption caused by COVID-19 provided new opportunities for film industry players to widen its reach. And while nothing can replace the thrill of actual cinema experience, online platforms, at least for now, are welcome options.

One such festival which opted to take the virtual route is the European Philippine International Film Festival (EPIFF).

The festival, which is in its third year, will take place from October 24 to 25 and can be seen exclusively by people based in Europe via iWatchMore.

The EPIFF was founded by filmmakers, Ruben Soriquez and Maurizio Baldini, in tandem with the Philippine Italian Association (PIA), the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

It is the festival's aim to give Filipino filmmakers much-deserved recognition and attention from foreign audiences.

This year's edition will showcase five movies from some of the country's top directors.

Sonata (Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes)

Cherie Gil portrays an artist who once lived her life around her craft leading to her self-destruction. She meets a young boy who helps her regain her self-confidence and love for art.

Badil (Chito S. Rono)

Set in a small village in the Philippines, the story speaks about dirty politics and corruption that plagues the country, and how people in power will do anything in the name of greed.

Bamboo Flowers (Maryo Delos Reyes)

The film follows the story of four people and their individual life challenges. Irma Adlawan, Kapuso stars Ruru Madrid and Max Collins, Orlando Sol, and Mylene Dizon star in the movie, which carries the message of faith, courage, and resiliency.

The Crescent Rising (Sheron Dayoc)

This documentary puts the spotlight on Mindanao and the long-running conflict shaped by faith and history. The subjects of war and justice are prominent throughout the movie. It also shows how pointless war is, and how it devastates the affected community.

Land from God (Kevin Piamonte)

This short film touches on the struggles faced by the Ati tribe in their quest to preserve their culture under threats of modernization and commercialization of popular tourist attraction, Boracay.