Brillante Mendoza films shownfor free at SM City Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines - Brillante Mendoza, the first Asian movie director to win in the Cannes Film Festival and was recently given the title Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters by France, made a stop in Consolacion, Cebu last Jan. 27 and 28 to promote his independent movies  titled “Manoro,” “Kaleldo,” “Foster Child,” and “Lola.”

Mendoza was given by SM City Consolacion and the municipality of Consolacion a customized woven hat (sarok) with initials “BM” as token of appreciation for visiting the town during the launching of the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival last Jan. 27 at the Event Centre.

“On behalf of the municipality of Consolacion, I thank director Brillante Mendoza for visiting our town. And we hope that someday, he will shoot one of his films here in our humble town,” said Councilor Julius Alegado.

Also in attendance were different film students in other parts of the country, as well as teachers and students from schools in northern Cebu, and businessmen in Consolacion.

His multi-awarded movies were shown for free in all cinemas in SM City Consolacion with students from private and public schools in attendance. The director did an interaction with the moviegoers after every film showing.

“I do films which depict the true scenario in our country and in every Filipino. I’m happy that my films were recognized here and abroad. My dedication and hard work to do independent films are my keys to success in this industry. And of course I can’t do this without the support of my team,” said Mendoza. The director works with the Centerstage Productions in Mandaluyong City.

Millie Dizon, Vice President for Publicity of the SM Group, together with SM City Consolacion mall manager Engr.Van Velez Aberia gave Director Mendoza a Certificate of Appreciation for his contribution to the independent film industry in the country, and for bringing four of his films in SM.

Mendoza was named one of People Asia’s People of the Year. He is also set to promote his other independent films in SM City Naga, SM City Fairview, SM City Lucena, and SM City Bacoor in the later part of this year. (PR) (FREEMAN)