As part of its multi-film event, “Piling-Pili Pelikulang Pilipino: The Making of the Filipino Nation” on the occasion of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen’s Sentro Rizal, held a film showing of the 1961 adaptation of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s novels, “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not) on 24 July 2016 at its Bulwagang Bagumbayan / Heroes Hall. The film showing is a vital contribution to the program of activities for 2016 of the Consulate General’s Sentro Rizal. Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores led attendees from the Filipino community which included Mr. Edward Tenorio, President, Filipinos Association in Xiamen, professionals, teachers and other members of the Filipino community, Consulate General’s officers and staff.
In brief remarks, the Consul General Flores expressed appreciation to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for providing the film material which is a restored copy as gifted by the German government to former President Corazon Aquino when she visited Germany in 1989. The movie is considered a major breakthrough to mainstream Rizal’s classic novel to the Filipino moviegoing public to highlight the oppressive Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines perpetuated by the omnipotence formers of the Spanish friars, itself a critical factor in building the momentum of the Propaganda Movement leading up the Philippine revolution against Spain.
The film was well-received by the audience which gained a deeper appreciation of the Spanish era in Philippine history as well as the collective struggles of the Filipinos to gain freedom and independence which rekindled interest to re-read and revisit the novel, “Noli Me Tangere”.
The Consulate General views that film is a potent tool in the implementation of its cultural diplomacy thrusts, specially in educating as well as informing Filipinos of the richness history and culture as exemplified by Rizal’s immortal novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibursterismo”, both written originally in Spanish. END
