MANILA, PHILIPPINES, MARCH 16, 2023 — With the goal to bring world cinema and make critically-acclaimed titles even more accessible to Filipino audiences, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has licensed the rights to four new titles from Belgium, Austria, Cambodia, and United Kingdom.

Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun” (2022) tells the story of Sophie as she reflects on the joy and melancholy of a holiday she took with her father 20 years earlier. The film took home the French Touch Prize of the Critics’ Week Jury at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival.

Another Cannes-winning title FDCP acquired is Marie Kreutzer’s “Corsage” (2022) which depicts the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, told on a fictional account. The film won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Section’s Best Performance Award for Vicky Krieps’ portrayal of Empress Elizabeth. It also had its PH premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival.

Davy Chou’s “Return to Seoul” follows the life of a 25-year-old French woman as she returns to her birthplace, South Korea, after being adopted to a French family. She then decides to track down her biological parents but her journey takes a surprising turn. Chou’s film won international acclaim in various film festivals like Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Athens International Film Festival, and Belfast Film Festival among others. Likewise, it also had its PH Premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival and bagged the Jury Prize award. 

Finally, 75th Cannes International Film Festival Grand Prix Prize Winner “Close” (2022) directed by Lukas Dhont depicts the lives of 13-year-olds Leo and Remi as they slowly drift apart after their relationship is questioned by their schoolmates. Dhont’s film also got the nod of the Academy Awards when it got nominated for the Best International Feature category.

More than its aim to encourage audiences to return to the cinemas, FDCP, through its Audience Development Program, aims to further expose moviegoers to titles that would help them expand their horizons. 

The screening of these films will be held in select theatres nationwide and the FDCP’s very own Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Nabunturan, Davao, Iloilo, and Negros.

Follow us on social media to stay updated in our screening schedules.