Laughter from the Holy Land” Israeli humor goes to Davao

The 13^th Israeli Film Festival with the theme “Laughter from the Holy Land” continues its great journey in the Philippines. This time, it goes to Davao to bring the Israeli culture of film-making and strong trademark of humor to the southern Philippines.

In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the film festival presents eight films: The Matchmaker, Ushpizin, Total Love, Up the Wrong Tree, Alex is Lovesick, This is Sodom, Pick a Card, and The Big Dig. Admission is free.    

The extended run of the film festival at the FDCP cinematheque will start on Nov. 25 in Davao City, and on Dec. 2 in Zamboanga City. This follows the launch of the 13^th  Israeli Film Festival last Nov. 4 in Manila, Nov. 11 in Baguio, and Nov. 18 in Iloilo.

“The 13^th Israeli Film Festival is a bridge between two countries. We want more Filipinos to understand a bit about Israeli culture, history and humor,” Deputy Chief of Mission Adam Michael Levene says.

He adds that the annual film festival is an important part of the Israel Embassy’s cultural program.

Levene notes that Israel-Philippine relations dates back to the 1930s when then President Manuel Quezon implemented the open-door policy that accommodated and saved 1,300 Jews before World War II. He adds that the Philippines also voted for United Nations resolutions that led to the creation of the state of Israel in 1947.(pr)