PCG Vancouver Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Diplomatic Relations with Special Film Screening

(Left photo) Consul General Arlene T. Magno addresses the crowd at the Filipino Film Screening. (Right photo) The audience watches intently as "Canadian Adobo" sheds light on the untold stories of Overseas Filipino Workers and their children, capturing the emotional journey of families separated by migration. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER, 25 September 2024 – As part of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in partnership with Aimer Films, hosted a special screening of a documentary film “Canadian Adobo” on 24 September 2024 at The Cinematheque.

Canadian Adobo, directed by Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Kent Donguines, explores the experiences and challenges faced by the children of Overseas Filipinos who have immigrated to Canada. The films highlighted themes of identity, migration, and the bonds that connect families across borders, offering a heartfelt reflection on the Filipino diaspora.

Complementing the documentary was the short film Hail Marie, directed by Harley Maranan, a coming-of-age story that touches on the generational and cultural dynamics within immigrant families in Canada, showcasing the challenges of identity and belonging in a new environment.

Philippine Consul General Arlene T.  Magno, in her opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the 75^th anniversary celebration and the role that art and film play in strengthening cultural diplomacy.  She thanked the Filipino filmmakers, whose works continue to inspire and move audiences here and around the world.

The event brought together members of the Filipino community, representatives from the BC Consular Corps, the business community, and the media. Both films were warmly received by the audience, many of whom related to the themes of migration, cultural adaptation, and the challenges faced by Filipino families in Canada.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, offering the audience a unique opportunity to engage with the filmmaker and further discuss the creative process and themes of the documentary. Director Donguines expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and discussed the importance of telling stories that reflect the Filipino-Canadian experience. END

Clockwise: Poster of Canadian Adobo film screening;

 Audience asking thought-provoking questions during the Q&A session with the filmmaker of "Canadian Adobo;”

 Filmmaker Kent Donguines and Angelica dela Torre engaging with the audience during the post-screening Q&A session, offering insights into the inspiration behind the documentary and the personal stories it highlights.

 (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Members of the Filipino community, BC Consular Corps, business leaders, and media gather at The Cinematheque for a special screening of "Canadian Adobo" and "Hail Marie," celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Canada Diplomatic Relations. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Arlene Magno, Consul Analyn Ratonel and Vice Consul Marco Harder pose with some members of the Filipino community after the film screening. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Members of the media interview Consul General Arlene Magno (1^st photo) and Burnaby Councillor Maita Santiago (2^nd photo) before the film screening. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)