PH to Italy: Ruben Maria Soriquez opens global door to Pinoy filmmakers
A proud Filipino with so much stories to tell, actor/director/producer Ruben Maria Soriquez becomes a strong bridge in showcasing body of works of Filipino filmmakers to global scene.
Ruben has high hopes for Pinoy works to be recognized globally. His idea of launching the first European Philippine International Film Festival (EPIFF) is a way of achieving that hopes.
Actor with remarkable roles, director with strong message, a producer with hands willing to extend to fellow filmmakers, Ruben shares EPIFF is on March 7-8, Florence Italy.
EPIFF is also supported by Italian filmmakers Maurizio Baldini and Lorenzo Galanti and supported by the Philippine Italian Association, Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (Ruben is a board member), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and Fondazione Sistema Toscana.
Roland Sanchez’s “Broken Halleluja,” Atom Magadia’s “Dagsin,” Erik Matti’s “Honor Thy Father,” Lawrence Fajardo’s “Imbisibol,” Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga’s “Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story,” Lem Lorca’s “Maestra” and Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez’s “Magtanggol” are the films under In Competition.
While Maurizio Baldini’s “Dalisay” and Ruben’s own film “Of Sinners and Saints” are under Out Of Competition.
According to Ruben, there is no particular criteria as long as the message is there, the story presentation, and how it reflects Filipino society matters.
Eyes and hands open, Ruben wants to share Filipino films to Italy. He opens door to Filipino filmmakers whose films are ready to be seen and heard. Next EPIFF, the Filipino-Italian actor/director/producer wants also for Filipinos to see Italian films. Same ways, Filipinos and Italians are learning both culture, stories, and message. A great way to start good relationship between Filipinos and Italians.
