FILIPINO FILM feature at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF38)

Chicago, Il. – Welcome to FACETS’ 38th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF38), one of only two Oscar-qualifying children’s fi lm festivals in the world. Each year, the CICFF is proud to present a diverse selection of high-quality fi lms for children, teens, and adults, featuring over 250 fi lms from 40 countries. Since 1984, the CICFF has carefully curated fi lms from around the world that break new ground in their approach to storytelling, off er unique or seldom-heard points of view, and demonstrate artistic and technical mastery.

This year, a Filipino fi lm “Last Days at Sea” by director Venice Atienza will be off ered with virtually screenings from November 5-14, 2021 and limited in-person screening on Sunday, November 14th at 1pm at FACETS, located at 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL.

Last Days at Sea

12-year-old Reyboy lives in Karihatag, an isolated fi shing village in the south of the Philippines. Every morning, the men of his village set out to sea. Their daily catch is shared upon their return and the area close to the shore has been turned into an ecological safe haven for fi sh. In Karihatag, most boys grow up to become subsistence fi shermen. However, in pursuit of a more prosperous future, Reyboy will have to leave his village to attend school in the city. This documentary captures Reyboy’s last days in his village. It is a memento of the life he is leaving behind. Through his thoughtful conversations with the fi lm’s director, Venice Atienza we learn that Reyboy has a unique and poetic vision of the world that is deeply anchored to life on the sea. Follow Reyboy and see the beauty in the unnoticeable moments of growing up, and perhaps you’ll fi nd the courage to face the diffi culties of life with kindness and tenderness.