4 November 2011-- Philippine Ambassador to Belgium H.E. Victoria Bataclan hosted a reception at the Philippine Embassy tonight in honor of the Philippine participants to the 38th Brussels International Independent Film Festival. This year, two Philippine films have made it to the international competition category of the festival, namely "Deadline: The Reign of Impunity" by veteran film and television director Joel Lamangan and "Busong" by Auraeus Solito who recently brought this film to the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

In her message, Ambassador Bataclan said that "the Philippine Independent Film Industry is very much alive as we continue to stage our annual Cinemalaya ("free cinema") which started in 2005 and is supported by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The directors of both films, Mr. Lamangan and Mr. Solito, have made a name for themselves in Philippine cinema and have carefully chosen storylines that represent certain realities in the country that are worth sharing to the world. I have no doubt that you will enjoy experiencing these films through their eyes".

At the showing of "Deadline" later that evening, at the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck, the Ambassador had the opportunity to address the viewing public, giving them a brief background on the director and the plot of the film. "Busong" had already been shown the night before, notably well attended by members of the Filipino community of Brussels to show their support. The awarding ceremony of the festival will be on Sunday, 6 November 2011.

It can be recalled that the Philippine film "Donor" starring Merryl Soriano won best film and best actress (for Ms. Soriano) in last year's festival.END.