First Cycle of Southeast Asian Movies in Santiago, Chile

In conjunction with Chile’s bicentennial celebration in 2010, the Embassy of Malaysia together with Embassy of Indonesia, Embassy of Thailand and Embassy of Vietnam in Chile organized the First Cycle of Southeast Asian Movies at Palacio La Moneda Cultural Centre from 25 to 29 October 2010.  The event was also co-sponsored by the Chilean Bicentennial Commission and Palacio La Moneda Cultural Centre.

The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 and was attended by Ambassador Celso Moreno, representative from the Chilean Bicentennial Commission, Mr. Ignacio Aliaga, Director of the National Cinema of the La Moneda Cultural Centre, officials from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of diplomatic corps and international organizations and local press.  The event was further graced by the presence of Madam Angela Jeria, mother of the former President Michelle Bachelet.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Ignacio Aliaga acknowledged that the while many Chileans relates Asia with countries such as China, Japan and South Korea, many were still unfamiliar with other parts of the region including the Southeast Asian countries.  This event, the first of its kind in Chile, serves as an important tool to create greater awareness of Chilean public on these countries and to showcase the multi-diverse and colourful culture it offers.  Ambassador Maria Conseulo Puyat-Reyes of the Embassy of the Philippines in Chile who spoke on the behalf of the ASEAN embassies in Chile, stated the in addition to promote cultural exchange between Chile and participating countries, the decision to organize the event is to respond to the Chilean government’s invitation for all friendly countries to jointly participate in its historic bicentennial celebration this year.

At the end of the inauguration ceremony, all guests were invited to get a taste of local Asian food with cocktails prepared by the participating embassies.

Schedule of First Cycle of Southeast Asian Movie Week:

25 August      :           The Sound of Violin in My Lai (Vietnam)

26 August      :           Nagabonar 2 (Indonesia)

27 August      :           Mukhsin (Malaysia)

28 August      :           Best of Times (Thailand)

29 August      :           Laskar Pelangi (Indonesia)