20 September 2025, Busan, South Korea — The Philippine Embassy in Seoul joined the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), led by Chairman Jose "Joey" Reyes, at the FDCP Chairman’s Dinner held on 20 September 2025 at The Westin Josun Busan.

The event, hosted on the sidelines of the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), gathered distinguished filmmakers, industry leaders, diplomats, and film enthusiasts from across the globe. It served as a platform to highlight the participation of the Philippines in BIFF and to celebrate the creativity and contributions of Filipino talents to the international film industry.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador-designate to Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, honored the achievements of Filipino filmmakers and underscored the Embassy’s strong support for the FDCP’s initiatives to elevate Philippine cinema on the global stage. She expressed that the occasion was an opportunity to “honor the achievements of our filmmakers, celebrate the enduring power of cinema to connect cultures, and strengthen the bonds of collaboration and friendship between the Philippines, Korea, and the global film community.”

FDCP Chairman Jose Javier "Joey" Reyes, in his opening remarks, emphasized the significance of Asian collaboration in global filmmaking. He remarked: “Asia is at the forefront of content viewing, and therefore must also be at the forefront of content making. We must realize that yes, we are all Asians, yet we are so different from one another — and at the same time, we are all the same. We share the same core values, we share the same narratives, but we express ourselves culturally in various shades and flavors. So let us collaborate even more, and let Busan be the starting ground for a much richer and more powerful Asian cinema — one that will show the world that we Asians are no pushovers. It is about time that Asia became the center of world culture.”

Present at the dinner was Korean Film Council Chairperson Han Sang-jun, Undral Choimpog, Chairperson of the Mongolian National Film Council, Director Lino Cayetano, as well as film officials from Taiwan, Thailand, Mongolia, and Korea. Philippine Embassy Consul Flaureen D. Dacanay and Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista, also joined the Chairman’s dinner.

This year, the Philippines is represented at BIFF through acclaimed works such as Magellan by Lav Diaz (Icons Section) and 10S Across the Borders by Chan Sze-Wei (Co-Production, Wide Angle: Documentary Competition). These films exemplify the richness, diversity, and originality of Philippine cinema.

The Embassy’s participation in the FDCP Chairman’s Dinner reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to promoting its vibrant film industry, advancing cultural diplomacy, and fostering deeper engagement with the international film community. END