Peruvian Film Festival 2020
A celebration of strong ties as the Latin American nation nears its 200th year of independence.
(From left to right) Mr Bernard Toh, Director of NUS Alumni Relations, speaking with Mr Ciro Perez, Representative of the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore; H.E. Federico Alejandro Barttfeld, Ambassador of Argentina to Singapore; H.E. Victor Hugo Rojas Gonzalez, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Singapore; and H.E. Fredesman Turro Gonzalez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Singapore.
The inaugural Peruvian Film Festival, which took place on 29 October, was presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Peru in Singapore and NUS Alumni Relations, in celebration of 40 years of Peru-Singapore diplomatic relations, and to commemorate the bicentennial of Peru’s Independence in 2021.
Guests queueing to receive their goodie bags containing popular Peruvian snacks at the end of the event.
The event was graced by His Excellency Carlos Raul Vasquez Corrales, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Singapore, as well as Mr Johnny Tan (Science ’82), Co-Chairman of the NUS Alumni Advisory Board. During his opening address, Director of NUS Alumni Relations, Mr Bernard Toh (Architecture ’84), highlighted the similarities between Peru and Singapore – both countries had significant historical events occurring in the same era (the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, and independence for Peru in 1821), and both have grown from humble beginnings to become vibrant economies today.
Due to the safe management measures implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic, guests were spread out across the auditorium and had to keep a safe distance from one another. However, that did not prevent the audience from fully enjoying the cinematic experience as they watched the acclaimed film El Evangelio de la Carne (The Gospel of the Flesh), which was directed by Eduardo Mendoza de Echave. Not only was the audience treated to a tale that explored how being good is sometimes simply not an option, but they also were able to experience some of Peru’s sights, sounds, and colours, and learn more about its culture through the film.
H.E. Carlos Raul Vasquez Corrales, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Singapore, was present to give the welcome address.
To celebrate the success of the first Peruvian Film Festival and to end the night on a sweet note, the Embassy also arranged for guests to leave with some Peruvian finger food for their enjoyment at home.