---

PHILIPPINES DELIVERS STRONG SHOWING AT 64^th BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Ambassador Natividad welcomes the production teams of “Quick Change”: Dan Villegas (Cinematographer), Ferdinand Lapuz (Producer), Eduardo Roy, Jr. (Director) and “Unfriend”: Joselito Altarejos (Director), Sandino Martin (Actor), Mimi Viola (Production Design), Arvin Viola (Cinematographer), and Markk Perete (Producer)


26 February 2014 -   A strong contingent of young and dynamic Filipino cinematic talents participated in the 64^th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), which was held from February 6 to 16.  Two Filipino films, “Quick Change” and “Unfriend,” participated in the Berlinale Panorama section, which is geared towards innovative, alternative and independent films. 

On February 11, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe R. Natividad hosted a welcome dinner for the cast and production teams of both films as well as the participants of Berlinale Talent Campus.  Ambassador Natividad congratulated both production teams on their efforts to address challenging themes while maintaining the humanity of their characters.

Director Eduardo Roy, Jr. explains the origin of the “Quick Change” storyline during the film’s premiere.

Both films won plaudits from critics.  The US industry magazine Variety providing the following verdict of the Eduardo Roy helmed film: “the obsessive desire for youth and beauty among members of Manila’s transgender community is examined with documentary-like authenticity in the well-crafted drama Quick Change… this admirably non-sensationalist slice of life on the margins packs a solid emotional punch when it counts.” 

With their notable showing at Berlinale, both films are expected to feature in other international film festivals.