PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Film Festival to be held at the National Film
Corporation of Sri Lanka

Celebrating 65 Years of Philippines–Sri Lanka Friendship
FREE ADMISSION | 9–11 October 2026 | Tharanganee Cinema - NFC

The Philippine Film Festival will be held from 9 to 11 October 2026 at the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka (NFC). The festival marks 65 years of friendship between the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Admission is free, and the public is warmly invited to attend.

The festival opened with a discussion involving NFC Chairman Mr. Sudath Mahaadivulwewa and Philippine Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Ms. Nina P. Cainglet. The event forms part of the cultural initiatives planned to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines in 2026.

Six Philippine films will be screened over the three-day festival. The programme features documentaries, dramas, comedies and family stories in Inati, Hiligaynon and Tagalog, with most films presented with English subtitles. The line-up includes recent award-circuit titles such as Tumandok and Love Child, as well as the classic 1984 drama 'Merika, starring Nora Aunor.

Festival Schedule
Date Time Film
Friday, 9 October 7:00 – 8:30 PM Tumandok (The Inhabitants)
Saturday, 10 October 10:00 – 11:30 AM Bulawan nga Usa (The Golden Deer)
1:00 – 2:40 PM Love Child
3:15 – 5:00 PM Merika
Sunday, 11 October 10:00 – 11:30 AM The Chanters
1:00 – 2:30 PM Cleaners
2:45 – 4:30 PM Tumandok (The Inhabitants)
Venue: Tharanganee Cine - NFC     Entrance: FREE

The festival is open to film lovers, students, families and the general public. Film enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive early.

Media contact:

Marketing Production and Research Division

The National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka

Tel: 00 94 11 2590761 | Email: production.nfc@gmail.com