For the third straight year, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) showcased “a diverse selection of acclaimed internationally-produced films” in the mini-festival aptly titled “A Curation of World Cinema”. Through this initiative, they continually seek to solidify the connection between Pinoy audiences and the “richness of global cinema”, thus opening doors to international counterparts. 

The 2023 edition had the likes of Aftersun, Close, Corsage, and Return to Seoul screening in select cinemas. While last year’s mixed recent gems Only the River Flows, How to Have Sex, and Oscar winner Anatomy of a Fall with a selection of restored Wong Kar Wai classics, namely Fallen Angels, Happy Together, Chungking Express, and In the Mood for Love. 

This year’s roster was the most continentally and linguistically diverse yet. There’s a German production set in Iran, a South Korean film with a French actress, and a first from Africa.

DAHOMEY (Senegal/France/Benin)

The title refers to a West African monarchy that once flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. This fascinating documentary depicts how 26 priced artifacts seized from the kingdom are pulled out from display in France and shipped back to its place of origin, now the Republic of Benin.  

Director Mati Diop co-wrote this hour-long piece with Haiti’s Makenzy Orcel, who also provided voiceover narration in the point of view of the 26th artifact, a statue inspired by King Ghezo. It’s a clever, chilling touch to hear that menacing voice share its memories and sentiments in an indigenous language, as if enclosed from a crate. And the jubilation is palpable once the pieces do reach home, as celebrations commence in the streets. From the ensuing discussions, we learn more insights about the history of cultural repatriation and theft.  It provides a sense of power regained and fulfillment over heritage restored, even though thousands of other pieces remain sequestered overseas. 

The film earned the Golden Bear at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. It was also Senegal’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards’ International Feature Race and was also short-listed in the Documentary Feature category. While it didn’t snag both nominations, the impact of this brief film continues to resonate.