31 May 2018–The Indian Directorate of Film Festivals in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and all ten (10) ASEAN member-countries’ Embassies in New Delhi organized the ASEAN-India Film Festival with the theme, “Friendship through Films,” as part of the series of events to commemorate the 25 years of ASEAN and India relation. The festival was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi from 25 to 30 May 2018.

On 25 May 2018, Minister of State (I/C) for Information and Broadcasting and Sports and Youth Affairs, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore inaugurated the film festival. Also present in the occasion were MEA Secretary East Preeti Saran, officials from the different Indian Government agencies, a representative from ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN Heads of Mission and representatives. The Philippine Embassy was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Arvin. R. de Leon, with the Attaches, Mr. Edwin Juan Batallones and Ms. Marra Kristine Ty.

The opening ceremony was followed by the screening of the very first Jasari language movie “Sinjar” from India. Around 32 films from 11 countries were screened during the film festival. The Philippines had three movie entries, namely: Women of the Weeping River by Sheron Deyoc, Pagdating sa Dulo by Ishmael Bernal, and Birdshot by Mikhail Red.

On 27 May 2018, Ms. Sharifa Pearlsia Ali Dans, Actress in the Women of the Weeping River film was a speaker in one of the panel sessions of the film festival. The discussions focused on films as a vehicle for cultural friendship, portrayal of woman in ASEAN cinema, as well as ASEAN-India Film market co-production opportunities. Students of Film, Media and Drama Institutes were invited to these interactive sessions.

Philippine participation in the festival was made possible through the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.