The Australian Embassy is hosting a free and on-demand film festival this weekend featuring cinematic gems to commemorate the 75th Philippines-Australia Friendship Day. It is also a celebration of the continuing legacy of camaraderie and bayanihan spirit of both countries.

“The Philippines is one of Australia’s oldest bilateral relations. Our lasting friendship is built on shared interests and values, supported by strong people-to-people bonds. In the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and in the Australian tradition of fellowship, we held each other up in good times and bad, ”the embassy said.

Australia also noted how their relationship with the Philippines has “evolved into a mature partnership that seeks to advance our mutual interests through cooperation in trade, development, defense and security”.

“As close friends and neighbors, we can help each other to succeed in the region and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he added.

Dubbed the Stream and Sip online event, viewers can watch this weekend (May 22-23) three Australian feature films that will have their Asian premiere on the mateshipandbayanihan.com website: Lion, an Australian biopic drama based on the delivers A Long Way Home, and stars Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel and Rooney Mara; Little Monsters, a zombie comedy film starring Lupita Nyong’o, Alexander England and Josh Gad; and H is for Happiness, an upbeat family film based on the award-winning Australian book, My Life As An Alphabet.

Little Monsters is a zombie comedy film starring Lupita Nyong’o.

The list is led by Lion, a critically acclaimed film that was nominated in various categories at the 2017 Oscars, and won Best Picture awards at the 2017 Golden Globes and other prestigious bodies.

The filmfest will also feature seven short films from Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy Award-winning short film festival recognized by the BAFTA.

“We have worked with Screen Australia and Flickerfest to provide Filipino moviegoers the opportunity to experience Australian film excellence and learn more about contemporary Australian culture,” Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson AO said in a statement.

“We are very happy to be one of the five countries to celebrate Friendship Day every year, in our case on May 22, as stated in Presidential Proclamation 1282. This is an opportunity to celebrate our ties. narrow every year, ”he added.

According to Robinson, Friendship Day is typically observed in different cities across the country with a range of activities, but due to the limitations of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic in 2019, they have implemented an online program so that ” everyone across the Philippines can be a part of the celebration. “

The virtual fair will also promote Australian music on Spotify and Australian movies on Netflix as well as a ‘Taste of Australia’ experience that will bring together online retailers of the freshest and finest Australian fruit, food and drink.

“Food brings people together, so sharing Australian and Filipino food is a perfect way to celebrate Friendship Day. Australian food and drink reflects the pristine environment and high standards of food safety in Australia. It’s a pleasure to be able to share products made and grown in Australia that Filipinos can enjoy at home to create delicious meals for their families, ”said Robinson.

Cultural and educational exchanges have kept the Philippines-Australia ties “strong over the years.”

There are over 100,000 Filipino students who have studied in Australia, as reported in a video released by the Embassy.

This video also pays tribute to Filipino singer-actress Pilita Corrales, who has become a famous music artist and TV star in Australia. She has become a big name in Australia because “a street bears her name in Victoria”.

Some popular celebrities who were also mentioned in the video with a Filipino-Australian heritage that both countries can be proud of were: Kapamilya star Anne Curtis, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and musician actor James Reid.