Events & Exhibits

Cine Europa 27 Brings European Cinema to UP Cebu: Screenings Set for Oct 22-27 at Lawak Sinehan

Cine Europa, now in its 27th year, is bringing the best of European cinema to UP Cebu, where film enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of 11 contemporary films from European Union Member States. This year’s lineup also includes contributions from the Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian Association, and guest country Ukraine, showcasing the creativity and diversity of European filmmaking.

From powerful dramas to imaginative comedies and stunning animations, Cine Europa 27 promises a range of cinematic experiences that highlight the excellence of European cinema.

The festival will open nationwide on October 18 with the Polish film “Dangerous Gentlemen” at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

Following the launch, Cine Europa 27 will travel to various venues, including the University of the Philippines Cebu, where screenings will be held on October 22-27, 2024, at Lawak Sinehan. Other locations include the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, University of San Agustin in Iloilo, and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, from October 18 to 27, 2024.

Screenings at UP Cebu are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Cine Europa 27 Facebook page.

11 Films to Watch Out For

This year’s lineup features a vibrant array of films, each presenting unique narratives that showcase the diverse cultural fabric of Europe.

1. Long Story Short (Denmark, 2015)

Director: May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Käehne

A heartfelt ensemble comedy-drama, chronicling the tangled love lives of a group of friends, each seeking romantic redemption over the course of eight parties.

Runtime: 90 min

2. The Other Side of Hope (Finland, 2017)

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

This poignant drama about a Syrian refugee and a middle-aged Finnish salesman explores the deep humanity and unexpected kindness amidst adversity, spiced with Kaurismäki’s trademark humor.

Runtime: 98 min

3. She Came at Night (Czech Republic, 2023)

Directors: Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček

This black-humor-infused home invasion horror follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when one of their mothers takes over their home—and their sanity.

Runtime: 85 min

4. La Flota de Indias (Spain, 2021)

Director: Antonio Perez Molero

A powerful documentary exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Spanish fleets that transformed the New World and fuelled globalization over two centuries.

Runtime: 61 min

5. Icarus (Luxembourg,2022)

Director: Carlo Vogele

In this animated film, Icarus, the apprentice of Daedalus, forms a secret friendship with the Minotaur before facing disillusionment and a tragic choice when King Minos confines his friend to the labyrinth and Prince Theseus arrives to confront the monster.

Runtime: 76 min.

6. Mermaids Don’t Cry (Austria, 2022)

Director: Franziska Pflaum

Annika, a supermarket saleswoman struggling with her chaotic life, dreams of acquiring a glamorous mermaid fin that costs 2.458 euros, despite facing family challenges, potential layoffs at work, and a complicated love life.

Runtime: 92 min.

7. The Man Without Guilt (Slovenia, 2022)

Director: Ivan Gergolet

In Trieste, Angela, a widow whose husband died from asbestos exposure, takes a caregiving job for Francesco, her husband’s former employer, to seek revenge but ultimately discovers that her actions lead to unexpected truths and the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning.

Runtime: 112 min.

8. The Man with the Answers (Cyprus, 2021)

Director: Stelios Kammitsis

After his grandmother’s death, Victor leaves his village in a dilapidated car to find his estranged mother in Germany, picking up hitchhiker Mattias along the way, leading to a profound bond despite their differing personalities during their journey through the Italian countryside.

Runtime: 80 min.

9. The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou (France, 2022)

Director: Lucas Delangle

In a mountain village in the French Alps, young Jacky Caillou, who lives with his grandmother Gisèle, a renowned magnetizer-healer, becomes determined to heal a city woman who arrives with a mysterious stain on her body, believing he can perform a miracle.

Runtime: 92 min.

10. Diabolik (Italy, 2021)

Director. Antonio Manetti &  Marco Manetti

In 1960s Clerville, the thrilling encounters between the enigmatic Diabolik and the alluring Eva Kant blend romance and crime, with Inspector Ginko determined to foil their plans.

Runtime: 133 min.

11. Taste of Freedom (Ukraine, 2024)

Director: Alexander Berezan

In the vibrant streets of Lviv, a young cook pursues her dream of becoming a chef at a prestigious restaurant, but her life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a 1929 cookbook by the legendary chef Olga Franko, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and belief in herself amidst the challenges of success.

Runtime: 117 min.

See event poster above to know the exact screening dates of the films.

(Source: Delegation of  the European Union to the PH website)

UP Cebu’s 1081 Exhibit Calls for Remembrance, Resistance, and Reflection on Martial Law

When President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law in the Philippines, it had a profound and lasting impact on Filipino society. Understanding these effects, particularly on democracy and governance, is essential to raising awareness of the injustices endured during that period. Remembering the victims’ stories and seeking the truth are critical acts of resistance.

In commemoration of Martial Law, the Communicators of UP (COMMUP) and the UP Cebu Martial Law Day of Remembrance (MLDR) Committee organized the annual 1081 Exhibit. This year’s theme, “Tagubtob sa Kamatuoran: Remember, Reveal, and Resist,” focused on the experiences of Martial Law victims and aimed to educate the youth about the atrocities committed during the Marcos regime.

The commemoration began on September 19 with the theme “Pagmatngon,” featuring an engaging opening program alongside the launch of a multimedia and art exhibit. A highlight of the event was a performance by the UP Students’ Theater Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE), which powerfully portrayed the real-life stories of Martial Law victims, bringing their experiences to light.

In addition to this poignant performance, numerous artists contributed to the exhibit, using their creative talents to expose the truth behind the dictator’s intentions and the injustices of that era. The event attracted students from various universities, fostering solidarity and raising awareness among the younger generation about the historical significance of Martial Law in the Philippines. Other activities included a film screening, a radio talk, a journalism-focused event organized by CDN Digital, and a panel discussion.

On September 20, the second day of commemoration, themed “Paghandom,” featured a cultural night that brought together a diverse group of speakers and performers. Speakers from various sectors, including individuals who were victims of Martial Law, shared their powerful testimonies.

The evening also showcased dynamic performances by UP Sayaw Evolution and UPSTAGE, adding artistic depth to the event. Following the performances, a protest action was held, where speakers from different colleges addressed the issues and challenges they face, highlighting the ongoing struggles for justice and awareness within both society and the university.

On September 21, the theme “Pagbatok” was represented through a multi-sectoral mobilization in downtown Cebu City, in collaboration with other organizations and schools. The next day, a basic mass immersion was conducted in various areas of Cebu, including Carbon, Coke, Mandaue, Piston, and Toledo. These initiatives aimed to better understand how both the past and present administrations have impacted people’s lives and to amplify their voices and concerns.

The 1081 Exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of how the Marcos regime abused its power and violated basic human rights. Through panel discussions, educational forums, film screenings, performances, and community engagement, we are reminded of the pain of the past and our responsibility to ensure such mistakes are never repeated.

Text and photos: Van Guevara/BA Communication 2 and COMMUP Secretary General for Publicity

Award-winning filmmaker to hold seminar on cinema for education

Multi-awarded filmmaker, film historian, and film literacy advocate Nicholas “Nick” Deocampo will conduct a seminar workshop on “Cinema for Education: Communication, History, and Ecology” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 14, 2024 at the UP Cebu Lawak Sinehan.

The event aims to explore the potential intersection of film as a tool for greater communication and for imparting knowledge in areas such as the environment, language of the present generation, and sense of nationhood. It will further delve into film’s materiality and history within the Philippine context.

It is organized by the UP Cebu Lawak Sinehan in partnership with the Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) and Communication Program as well as the UNESCO Memory of the World.

Deocampo is currently an Associate Professor at the UP Film Institute of the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman. One of his latest accolades was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to him by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2023 for a life dedicated to scholarship in Philippine cinema.

This seminar seeks to empower educators in a language that is popular to students and that is the cinema.

Day 1 of the seminar-workshop is exclusive to UP Cebu Faculty members while the second day is open to film educators in Cebu.

Secure your spot by filling out the form below. Slots are limited.
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop
https://bit.ly/CinemaForEducationWorkshop

Fine Arts students organize ‘Inamaw sa Perya’ at the UP Cebu Grounds

Fine Arts students taking Performance Arts (SFA 120) exhibited “Inamaw sa Perya,” a TASK Party, on September 21.

A TASK party is an interactive social gathering first initiated by performance artist Oliver Herring in 2002, where participants perform tasks as written on slips of paper. This was the first TASK held in UP Cebu, and it was organized as part of the  SFA 120 class requirement.

There is a limited number of participants in a typical TASK party, usually held in public spaces such as the university common room or other areas where people can interact upon entering the space.

According to Allyca Zoe Villaflor, a student of SFA 120, they improvised the activity to connect it with the current political landscape in the country, where they mimic government officials such as Bong Go, who is walking around, and Imelda Marcos, flaunting her wealth.

Villaflor shared, “Timing nga ni abot sa commemoration sa martial law. It was actually a modified event to fit the commemoration.”

There were four different activities: spinning the wheel, hitting cups, popping balloons with a pin, and tarot reading, where all activities required participants to perform a task.

In line with their theme, they also participated in the solemn candle-lighting ceremony organized by the UP Cebu University Student Council to remember the victims of martial law imposed by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. (Report and photos by Ian Peter Guanzon)

Newsrooms learn to navigate the digital  space

How are newsrooms coping with digitization? CDN Digital marked the end of Cebu Press Freedom Week with a forum tackling various topics, starting with a close look at traditional and digital media and going into the challenges that media organizations face in a digital world.

The speakers of “The Role of Newsrooms in an Evolving Digital Space” event last Sept. 22, 2023 at the University of the Philippines Cebu Arts and Sciences Hall included content creator Immae Lachica, senior copy editor Brian Ochoa, and social media manager Ralph Gurango of Inquirer.net. 

Other essential topics discussed during the forum included social media reporting as well as the key principles and ethical issues involved in reporting in the digital age.

The activity marked the end of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration from Sept. 17-23 in Cebu.

Assistant Professor for Political Science and Coordinator of Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment of UP Cebu Atty. Archill Capistrano shared in her opening remarks the importance of the press and newsrooms in empowering the next generation.

Student attendees from the University of the Philippines Cebu, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Normal University, and Cebu Technological University asked questions after the talk.

Unveiling the Dictator’s Dirt: 1081 Exhibit sheds light on Martial Law’s legacy

In its sixth consecutive year, the 1081 Exhibit commemorated the 51st Proclamation of Martial Law with a week-long event held from September 15 to 22. This year’s theme, “Lift the Sheets: Uncovering the Dictator’s Dirt,” aimed to honor those who were silenced during the Martial Law Era and to amplify the call for a more just, empathetic, and competent governance.

A press conference that featured guest speakers from organizations such as MLDR, Kabataan Partylist, AMA Sugbo KMU, STAMP, and COMMUP kicked off the event on September 15. The speakers emphasized the critical importance of upholding human rights and preserving freedom of speech and the press.

The following day, a Community Immersion event took place at the Carbon Public Market. Participants, including schools, organizations, and various sectors, engaged in a basic masses exposure (BMEx) that allowed them to gain firsthand insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by market vendors. This experience shed light on issues such as privatization, fascism, and the threat to livelihoods due to the loss of space.

On September 18, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Students Organization (FASO) and curator Greys Compuesto, the Multimedia and Art Exhibit was formally launched at UP Cebu’s Jose T. Joya Gallery. This exhibit featured works from different artists paying tribute to Martial Law victims.

Throughout the week, a series of forums, seminars, educational discussions, film screenings, protest actions, performances, and contests served as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of this dark chapter in the nation’s history.

The event culminated on September 22 with a closing ceremony at UP Cebu’s Performing Arts Hall, where participants, partners, and volunteers were acknowledged for their pivotal roles in making this year’s 1081 Exhibit a resounding success.

In essence, this week-long exhibit courageously brought to light the secrets of the dictator’s regime, as participants fearlessly lifted the sheets to bear witness to the bloodshed buried beneath the historical dirt. (Erna Josette Bonsukan, BA Communication 2)

Veteran journalists talk about  AI in  journalism in GMA Masterclass

Veteran journalists from GMA Integrated News talked about their experiences, professional milestones, and perspectives on the practice of journalism with easy access to such technology tools as generative artificial intelligence or AI during the highly popular “GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special” at the University of the Philippines Cebu Performing Arts Hall last Sept. 18, 2023.

Organized by GMA Regional TV, the forum took on the theme “Journalism in the Age of AI” and featured Howie Severino, Pia Arcanghel, Aileen Perez, and Nikko Sereno as resource persons. 

The masterclass was one of the activities of the 31st Cebu Press Freedom from Sept. 17 to 23.

Students from various colleges and universities, such as the University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu Normal University, University of San Jose Recoletos, Southwestern University PHINMA, Cebu Technological University, University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos, Santo Nino Mactan College, among others, converged at the event. They were eager to learn more about the topic of artificial intelligence and how it is impacting the landscape of journalism.

The event began with a warm welcome from UP Cebu Chancellor, Atty. Leo Malagar. In his opening remarks, he underscored the importance of students remaining vigilant, actively engaged, and steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding democracy and upholding the principles of freedom.

GMA Masterclass icons also shared some advice for youngsters aspiring to be the next generation of journalists. They also gave their insights and perspectives on artificial intelligence.

Severino underscored the importance of recognizing AI as a complementary tool to journalism, while also highlighting its potential as a weapon capable of causing harm. 

In light of generative AI tools, Perez emphasized that while AI holds valuable applications in monitoring and data analytics, it is important to acknowledge its potential to generate uncanny content.

Arcanghel underlined the potential advantages of employing AI in research but confessed her hesitation to use it due to a worry about becoming overly reliant on it. 

Meanwhile, Sereno stressed the time-saving benefits of AI while cautioning against its misuse.

GMA Masterclass: The Cebu Press Freedom Week Special marked the start of the 31st Cebu Press Freedom Week aimed at providing an arena for discussion and education on various local and national issues for students and educators. (Report by Charles Jave Retanal/Photos by Adriana Villena)

Comm UP opens 1081 Exhibit to commemorate Martial Law victims

The 1081 Exhibit, now in its sixth year, commemorates the 51st Proclamation of Martial Law with an Opening Program and a Multimedia and Art Exhibit that was launched last Monday, September 18, at UP Cebu’s Jose T. Joya Gallery under the theme “Lift the Sheets: Uncovering the Dictator’s Dirt.”

Participants in this significant event pledged never to forget the sacrifices made by Filipinos who bravely stood up against oppression.

“The 1081 Exhibit aims to counter fake news and disinformation of Martial Law with the factual narrative and connect the past with the present by resurfacing the [Marcos] family’s great robbery of the country and its impact on citizens that can still manifest until today,” said Kirstein Ann Pilongo, this year’s 1081 Exhibit Project Head and current Communicators of UP Chairperson, in her opening statement.

The week-long exhibit will last until Friday, September 22. It will include forums, seminars, educational discussions, film showings, protest actions, performances, and contests that will serve as a somber reminder of the significance of remembering this tragic and dark chapter in our history.

The UP Students’ Theater Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE) delivered an evocative performance, strongly reenacting the torturous memories of Martial Law victims, and provoking strong emotions from the audience.

Bounded by the solemn setting, student leaders from various organizations organized a protest action, lifting their voices to address important issues and voicing their firm opposition to the current administration’s acts of injustice.

The opening event was then succeeded by the opening of the Multimedia and Art Exhibit at UP Cebu’s College of Art and Design (CCAD) COMM Wing, which was organized in partnership with the Fine Arts Students Organization (FASO) and curator Greys Compuesto. The exhibit featured a variety of artworks in many forms that reflected a visual narrative of the contradictory Martial Law Era. (Erna Josette Bonsukan, BA Communication 2)

UP Cebu Creative Writing Program Relaunches Tagik Landasan Writing Workshop

The UP Cebu Creative Writing Program of CCAD is now accepting submissions for the 3rd Tagik Landasan Writing Workshop, to be held in October 9-10, 2023 at Multimedia Room (Day 1) & Joya Gallery (Day 2).

Eight (8) Slots shall be reserved for UPC students (Grade-10 & 11 and College Undergraduates). Two (2 ) slots are reserved for UPC Alumni who are based on Cebu City. Please note that previous Tagik Landasan Writing Workshop fellows as well as fellows of regional and national writing workshops are not qualified for this year’s writing workshop. Interested applicants may submit the following genres in either Cebuano or English—a suite of three (3) to five (5) poems; one (1) five-to-eight-page short story, or one (1) five-to-eight-page creative nonfiction (personal essay).

Entries must be typed in Book Antiqua, font size 12, with 1-inch margin on all sides, single-spaced for poetry while double-spaced for prose entries. Entries must not bear the author’s name. Applicants are required to submit their resume with a scanned 2×2 ID picture. A statement of intent providing a short background of their literary interests should accompany the application.

Submissions must be sent as attachments in Word file with the subject header format “Tagik Landasan_[Applicant’s Full Name]_[Genre: Poetry, Fiction, or CNF]” (example: Tagik Landasan_Aiko Sukahi_Fiction) to the following email address:[email protected] After the workshop, there will be a culminating event to recognize the fellows in Gabiing Dako: A Night of Poetry which will be organized by UP TINTA.

UP Cebu Communication Student Directs Play for Kulukabildo: Stories to End the Stigma and Celebrate Life

Watch Mavy Avila’s play “Sama sa Mga Duwaan ni Inday” in Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc.’s Kulukabildo: Stories to End the Stigma and Celebrate Life. Kulukabildo features eight plays written by Palanca-award-winning writers, translated into Bisaya, and adapted for the stage by Bisaya directors and actors.

Avila is a BA Communication IV student at the UP Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design.

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