Guests watch the screening of the PH Film ‘The Chanters’ (Istanbul PCG photo).

Istanbul, Türkiye, 21 February 2025 - The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), showcased the Philippine film The Chanters during the 1st Beyoğlu Film Festival on 20 February 2025. The event was attended by over 80 guests, mostly Turkish nationals, along with Consulate personnel and their families, members of the Filipino community, and other foreign nationals.

Organized by the Beyoğlu Municipality, the festival featured 14 films from various Consulates General in Istanbul, Cultural Centers, and Türkiye. Each film offered a unique narrative, reflecting the culture and traditions of its country of origin.

The Chanters is a comedy-drama about Sarah Mae, a 12-year-old schoolgirl and granddaughter of the last chanter of the Panay Bukidnon tribe. While eagerly preparing for the visit of a popular TV star to her school, she faces an unexpected challenge—her grandfather begins to suffer from dementia. As he starts losing his precious memories, Sarah Mae is tasked with helping him complete the last of the remaining 12 epics, a fading tradition of their tribe.

The Consulate’s participation in the festival aligns with the celebration of National Arts Month this February, themed "Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin" (Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion). This theme highlights how a nation’s creativity stems from the spirit and passion of its people. 

The Consulate General firmly believes in the power of cinema to bring people of different cultures together, strengthening cultural ties with other nations.

For further information, please contact Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). END

Consulate personnel, led by Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil, during the screening of The Chanters (Istanbul PCG photo).

Consulate personnel, together with Mr. Ata Ateş of the Beyoğlu Municipality, before the start of the screening of the Film, ‘The Chanters’ (Istanbul PCG photo).

Consulate personnel pose in front of the poster of the 1st Beyoğlu Film Festival (Istanbul PCG photo).