The much-awaited public screening of the movie 'The Eventologist' starring renowned Filipino actor J C Santos finally kicked off with its world premiere at the City Center Doha cinema recently.
Philippine ambassador to Qatar, Lilibeth V Pono, was the guest of honour. Other diplomats headed by vice-consul Monica Calangian and assistant labour attache Don Pancog were also in attendance.
The first full-length Filipino movie shot entirely in Qatar is a milestone in both the Philippine and Qatari movie industries.
Joining the 400 viewers who paraded the red carpet were 39 cast and crew members of the film, led by its writer and director, Oscar Yema Jr, and the film's executive producer and leading lady, Vanessa Casador.
With the exception of the lead actor, Santos, all of the 100% Pinoy cast are residents of Qatar whose characters in the motion picture were mostly themselves in real life as the movie is based on real-life events in Qatar.
"I am very humbled by the outcome of 'The Eventologist' premiere night. All of the people who contributed were present, as well as our new ambassador. She said after the screeening - 'Oscar, you're a hero'. But the real hero is the cast and crew who gave all their best and time despite their busy schedule as an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) here in Doha, Qatar," said Yema in a statement during the event.
The film's international publicist and line producer, Joseph Timothy Rivera, was also happy to announce that the film has now been submitted for pre-selection as an official entry to the Rome Independent Film Festival, Dubai Film Party and Manhattan Film Festival.
'The Eventologist' will be shown in special screenings at the Qatar Foundation Cinema for organisations along with student workshop viewings at the Philippine International School Qatar, to be followed by its commercial screening in cinemas all across Qatar this Ramadan. Premiere galas in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE will also soon follow immediately after Eid.
The director with line producers Joseph and Tintin Rivera.
A view of the audience.
The film's cast with ambassador Lilibeth V Pono on stage.
Vanessa Casador with Lilibeth V Pono.
