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PRESS RELEASE: Cine Europa, the longest running festival in the country, opens on 28 May

30.04.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to PHILIPPINES

Rediscover the magic of cinema! Celebrate once again the diversity of cultures and the wide range and richness of emotions of Cine Europa. Now on its 29th year, the longest-running European film festival in the Philippines, opens on 28th May 2026 with the screening of the Czech film, “The Waves” at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

CE29
© European Union, 2026

“The Waves” is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores themes of political tension, identity, and personal courage against the backdrop of a turbulent historical period. Directed by Jiří Mádl, the film follows individuals navigating the pressures of state control and moral choice, offering a compelling reflection on truth, resistance, and freedom. The public is invited to watch “The Waves” and enter Cinema 3 by 5:15pm. Admission is free.

Cine Europa will be inaugurated by the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Santoro and Ms. Joy Polloso, Executive Vice President of Shangri-La Plaza. “Cine Europa is about watching movies and sharing experiences, values, and cultures between European Union and the Philippines,” said Ambassador Santoro. “We are pleased to invite everyone to watch the carefully curated and excellent films from the EU, its Member States and Ukraine”. – he added.

Cine Europa continues its tradition of bringing the best of European cinema to Filipino audiences. It is presented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines together with the EU Member States Embassies in Manila, Ukraine and the European Parliament. The film festival showcases award-winning films that reflect Europe’s creativity and storytelling excellence. The films have been carefully handpicked to resonate with the Filipino audiences. All screenings are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Facebook’s Cine Europa Philippines page for the schedule.   

Apart from “The Waves”, which will be introduced by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, H.E. Karel Hejč, Cine Europa’s roster of films includes:   

“Heads or Fails” (Belgium)

“The Waves” (Czechia)

“Afire” (Germany)

“Four Mothers” (Ireland)

“Campamento Garra de Oso (Spain)

“Ours dans le Jura” (France)

“Gloria!” (Italy)

“Maricel” (Cyprus)

“How Can I Live Without You” (Hungary)

“Sleeping with a Tiger” (Austria)
“Peacock” (Austria)

“Lampo the Travelling Dog” (Poland)
“Loss of Balance” (Poland)

“Nasty” (Romania)

“Hidden People” (Slovenia)

“Andy Warhol: American Dream” (Slovakia)

“Summer is Crazy” (Finland)

“The Dance Club” (Sweden)

“Sentimental Value” (European Parliament)

“A Simple Soldier” (Ukraine)

The Manila screenings will run in the Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City from 28 May to 3 June and in Rizal Park from 15 June to 20 June 2026.  Screenings will also be held in Tacloban and Cagayan de Oro for wider audience reach across the country.

Thank you to Cine Europa’s loyal partners who have been instrumental in the festival’s success: Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Shangri-la Plaza Corporation, Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban, Liceo Cagayan de Oro University and National Parks Development Committee.