The French Embassy will launch on Saturday, November 25, the French government’s “Make It Iconic” campaign on the occasion of one of its most iconic cultural events – the French Film Festival. Now on its 26th year, the French Film Festival, in partnership with SM Super Malls and SM Cinemas, will feature iconic contemporary movies from France to the Filipino audience.
Renowned actress Emmanuelle Béart – a French icon herself – is the guest of honor for the premiere of the French Film Festival in the Philippines, which will run from November 25 to December 3. One of the movies featured in the festival is Béart’s documentary “Un silence si bruyant” (Such a Resounding Silence), which prompts victims of incest to speak out, a topic to which French society pays great attention. A special screening of the documentary will also be held to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, followed by a roundtable discussion on November 25.
On November 26, the French Embassy will have a gala dinner for Filipinos who studied in France and recognize them for their iconic contributions to their respective fields and in the society. This year’s remarkable alumni awardees are – multi-awarded filmmaker and film historian Nick Deocampo, internationally recognized chef Aaron Isip, Design Center of the Philippines executive director Rhea Matute, and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
The “Make It Iconic” campaign showcases the country’s assets in terms of industrial and economic momentum, potential for innovation, and cultural and artistic vitality.
“The French spirit continues to astonish, fascinate and change the world. Let’s bring out this spirit, this ambition, this desire to combine excellence and freedom. Let’s make it iconic,” President Emmanuel Macron said.
Through the daring French spirit, France aims to highlight its assets in all dimensions:
Economy (#ChooseFrance)
In 2022, France has been for the fourth consecutive years the first place for foreign investment projects in Europe, thanks to its many assets: it offers top-notch infrastructures, highly qualified workforce, cutting edge technologies and a business-friendly environment that makes it attractive to entrepreneurs and innovators. At the same time, France pays a special attention to striking a balance between competitiveness and sustainibility, as it low-carbon energy consumption illustrates.
Tourism & Gastronomy (#ExploreFrance #TasteFrance)
France offers very diverse travel and culinary experiences, through its rich culture, its unique landscapes and humanist spirit. Tourism in France is responsible and environmentally friendly, as is its innovative and sustainable agricultural sector. All Filipinos know landmarks such as Notre Dame and Mont Saint-Michel, and there are many more territories to explore that feeds both the soil and people.
Culture, Education and Science (#ExperienceFrance)
Experiencing France means choosing a system where culture and education stimulate the mind, where education integrates the challenges of today and those of tomorrow, where culture is in motion, engaged in international dialogue, and enables young talent to flourish.
Thanks to its renowned and cost-efficient higher education system, France is home to many world-class scientists, innovators, artists or sports professional, as illustrated by international awards it was granted (2023 Physics Nobel Prize for Anne L’Huillier and Pierre Agostini, 2022 Literature Nobel Award for Annie Ernaux, 2022 Mathematics Fields Medal for Hugo Duminil-Copin, 2020 Chemistry Nobel Award for Emmanuelle Charpentier, to name a few). In a multicultural environment, it makes France an attractive and stimulating destination for Filipino willing to develop their talents.
Partnerships (#PartnerWithFrance)
France and the Philippines authored the Manila Call for Action that preceded the historical Paris Climate Agreement. As maritime nations of the Indo-Pacific, our countries are natural partners in the fight against climate change and the protection of ocean biodiversity. Making commitments alongside France means committing to a world that is fairer and more sustainable and sharing solutions with a strong environmental and social impact, for the common good of humanity.