The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, presents King of the Belgians on January 31 (invitational) at 5pm, at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theater).
The screening of “King of the Belgians” is part of the CCP Arthouse Cinema’s newest program, dubbed World Cinema Series, featuring a monthly showcase of foreign films, in partnership with various embassies.
For the opening salvo of the new cinema programming, CCP Arthouse Cinema partners with the EU Delegation to the Philippines to launch Europelikula, a cultural exchange initiative through films. All year-round, the CCP Arthouse Cinema will hold special film screening featuring well-curated film selections produced by European filmmakers.
Under this program, the CCP and EU Delegation to the Philippines hope to bring Europe's cultural diversity to more Filipinos, as well as promote the European creative industry.
“Europelikula hopes to create another platform for film enthusiasts from Metro Manila to get a deeper understanding and appreciation of not only the films but rather the diverse culture from Europe,” enthused Thomas Wiersing, Chargé d'affaires, a.i., EU Delegation to the Philippines.
The “King of the Belgians” is about King Nicolas III, a fictional King of the Belgians, who comes to Turkey for a state visit. During his visit, he tries to revamp his image with the help of a British filmmaker. Following a solar storm, the King and his entourage begin their undercover odyssey across the Balkans, a journey that is loaded with lively detours, moving encounters and moments of grace.
“An Icelandic volcano erupted and an idea was born — let’s drop a Belgian King in Istanbul, stir up a natural disaster, spark a political crisis and then launch him on a homeward overland journey that features trip-ups, show-downs and revelations. Displacement as the essence of comedy, in other words. The challenge was how to actually tell this tale,” shared filmmakers Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth.
The public can catch this comedy film on February 1, at 5pm, at Tanghalang Manuel Conde. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are limited.
For more information, call the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division at 8832-1125, local 1705 & 1712. Or you can visit the CCP Facebook accounts and website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).
