THE 4 PILLARS OF

OUR FESTIVAL

SINÉ FILM FEST 2024 LINEUP

TRADE DELEGATION -

75TH YEAR OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

Philippine Filmmakers with International Co-Production experience have been invited to meet with Canadian creators in Toronto, Canada, for the 75th Year of Bilateral Relations thanks to the Embassy of Canada, Ontario Creates and the City of Toronto.

Objective: Enhance Philippine cinema through the 1998 Treaty, improving industry practices and gaining access to the North American market for distribution, as well as development, production, post production standards and training.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

SESSION 1, 130-4pm

Coronation Park Room, 2nd Floor

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

SESSION 2, 430-7pm

Coronation Park Room, 2nd Floor

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

SESSION 3, 1230-3pm

Coronation Park Room, 2nd Floor

TAYO NA!

MASTERCLASS PROGRAM

ROMEO CANDIDO

AWARD WINNING FILMMAKER

MASTERCLASS: WRITING FOR FILM

KRISTINE ESTORNINOS

PROGRAMMER, AIR CANADA/SPAFAX

MASTERCLASS: FESTIVAL STRATEGY

EDBER MAMISAO

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

MASTERCLASS: FUTURE OF AI IN FILM

& TELEVISION

48-HOUR SINÉ CHALLENGE

HOTEL X TORONTO is the luxury urban resort nestled in lakefront downtown Toronto. This upscale hotel offers

state-of-the art film screening theatre designed for an

amazing cinematic experience.

The venue is designed with combined comfort and technology with its plush seats and superior audio visual equipment for optimal viewing and listening experience. Break out rooms

and mini theatres are ideal for the SFF-scheduled training

and workshops.

A word from the Founders

Similar to other labours of love, borne out of curiosity, the inaugural SINE FILM FEST & INDUSTRY CONFERENCE is finally here! It started as a dream 6 years ago that pillar of the Filipino community, Agnes Miranda, would not give up on; thanks to a second generation-born Filipino Canadian whose passions are rooted in filmmaking and storytelling, Michaelangelo Masangkay, the dream is now a reality.

Filipinos have made their mark on Canada in so many ways; we forget sometimes how the Filipino culture has enriched the Canadian landscape – contributing in sectors ranging from the creative arts to music to filmmaking.

Thanks to the combined leadership of Agnes’ vision and Michaelangelo’s drive to explore his heritage via his talent/passion (his first feature film ‘TOPAKK’ premiered at the 76th Locarno Film Festival), a small but mighty team has assembled to launch the Sine Institute. And we are all proud to introduce as our first initiative the 2024 Sine Film Fest & Industry Conference, April 11 - 15.

And how fitting to launch our event in 2024 – the 75th anniversary of the

bilateral relations between Canada and the Philippines.

CONNECT, COLLABORATE, CREATE and CELEBRATE with us!

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Michaelangelo currently is the Director of Production at Toronto Film School, General Manager of Raven Banner Entertainment, Owner of Top Drone Inc. and the President/Founder of Siné Institute.

In July, the debut film “TOPAKK,” produced by him and directed by Richard V. Somes, premiered at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. Starring Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, and Enchong Dee, the film, shot in the Philippines, has been selected for various international festivals, including FrightFest UK, Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival, Thessaloniki Film Festival, Mayhem Film Festival, Night Visions Finland, and Slash Film Festival.

Since 2016, he has collaborated with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, leveraging his expertise in international marketing and distribution to educate and empower Filipino filmmakers.

He continues to actively facilitate connections, collaborations, and creative endeavors within the creative industries.

Agnes Pasaporte Miranda of Toronto, Canada is a community Pillar and know for her exceptional contribution in both financial services and community development.

She is a strong influence of women in leadership, business and empowerment. Agness become a household name in North America and Asia due to her advocacy and financial literacy.

Awarded Pinnacle 2023 Asia’s Outstanding Leader in Financial Literacy and Education

2017 Top 25 RBC Canadian Immigrants

2019 FWN 100 World Most Influential Women

Rosary Escano is a creative consultant and marketing professional who develops and executes strategies for and with organizations that focus on strengthening their brand identity. Through her own company, KRE8 Corporation.

For over ten years, Rosary’s contributions to making Filipino culture accessible to overseas audiences through a mix of content, retail products and experiences was made possible through her role as Regional Marketing Director for North & Latin America of ABS-CBN International.

Her awards include:

- 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2017 and is currently FWN Ambassador in Canada.

- Universal Peace Federation service award in 2021

- Global Woman of Peace Ambassador award from the Women’s Federation for World Peace International in 2023

Rosary remains a prominent influencer, advocate, and leader in promoting the Filipino identityand supporting cultural diversity in Canada.

Highly-driven marketing communications professional with 30 years of corporate partnership industry experience primarily in the areas of sport, arts & entertainment and not-for-profit.

Malu currently serves as Director of Programs & Communications for the Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation, a global movement inspired by Pope Francis to harness the power of Faith and Sport for good. In addition, she also currently serves as Board Director for the Maria Toorpakai Foundation.

Prior to this, Malu was VP Account Director at LANG Partnerships Network where she specialized in partnership strategy development & facilitation; sponsorship valuation & packaging; contract analysis & negotiation; partnership execution & fulfillment; program management and activation.

Malu is pleased to join the Sine Institute team as Head of Partnership Fulfillment to leverage her expertise to promote and celebrate Filipino culture in Canada and the rest of the world.

Physical therapist and practiced for over 30 years. As an entrepreneur, his acumen stretched past paramedical services and ventured into a visual effects company, a private equity firm, and real estate developments. He calls Toronto his home with his wife and 2 children. For adventure, he is an avid golfer and skier.

Francis has volunteered his time with non-profit organizations such as Gawad Kalinga Canada, High Park Ski Club, and Siné Institute & Film Festival to give back to the community.

Advises and consults to over 30 events, festivals, non-profits, charities and companies annually in North America.

Some brands include

@Asialicious, @NationalPastaMonth, @NationalWomensDay, National Clean-up Day, Global Wellness Day, Filipino Centre Toronto, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian Heritage Month, Multicultural Film Fest, Chicken Fest, Canadian Caregiver Day, National Real Estate Day, Philippine Heritage Band, Matrix Mortgage, Matrix Cares and more.

Ed started developing epic events and fundraisers as a high school student in 1991 and was elected president of @FEO the Festival & Events Industry Association in 2014.

Karen Pascual-Binaday has been involved in the Filipino-Canadian community for many years. She has held several positions in community organizations such as the Philippines Press Club of Ontario and Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre. She published a community newspaper called Mabuhay Canada Philippine News Gazette, was a writer/editor for Filipino Life Magazine, and was the Lifestyle Editor for Talakayan Radyo Filipino radio show. She was a staff writer for the newspaper Balita and had inked several articles for other publications such as Filipiniana, Filipino Bulletin, Pleasure Life Magazine, Taliba, and more.

She has been a part of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), organizers of the Mabuhay Philippines Festival since 2003. During her time with the organization, she initiated a partnership with Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto and Battle 416, the first community outdoor basketball tournament. She also became the President of Battle 416 from 2019 to 2023 and is now back to being the Executive Vice President of PIDC. She is also the Organization Chair of the Mississauga-Streetsville Executive Board for the Liberal Party of Canada.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Siné Film Fest?

Siné Film Fest (SFF) is the first Filipino Film Festival in Canada dedicated to showcasingFilipino talents in film. The inaugural SFF coincides with the 75th year of Philippine-Canadian friendship and happens on April 13 & 14, 2024 at the prestigious Hotel X inToronto. Open to film enthusiasts and industry professionals, SFF will screen 10 featurefilms and 7 short films, offer free educational workshops on development, production andacting, as well as showcase film equipment and gear that allows for an immersiveexperience at Studio Siné. All activities aim to connect and promote collaboration tofoster creation of new and exciting activities for the film community.

How do we get to Hotel X?

Hotel X by Library Collection is located at 111 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto M6K 3C3.

• If commuting from Union Station; 25 minutes
  
• From Union Station, you’ll want to take the TTC 509 Streetcar Westbound to Exhibition. Get off at Canada Blvd. & Manitoba Dr.
  
• Walk Southbound down Canada Blvd. then turn right onto Princes Blvd. Head due West until you reach Newfoundland Dr.
  
• Head to the South Entrance of Hotel X facing Lakeshore Blvd. West.
  
• OR
  
• From Union Station GO; 18 minutes
  
• From Union Station Go, you’ll want to take the Lakeshore West Train to Exhibition GO Station.
  
• From there walk Southbound to Princes Blvd.
  
• Head to the South Entrance of Hotel X facing Lakeshore Blvd. West.
  

What are my parking options and how much?

• Hotel X basement parking for the day with entrance is located at the side of hotel from Lakeshore Drive or Princes Blvd. with max daily rate of $35+tax.
  
• Hotel X valet parking is available at lobby drop off for $50. Please note that parking won’t be validated for film screening or workshop attendees.
  
• There is a Green P Parking Lot located at 125 Princes Blvd. M6K 3C3. All-day parking fee is $18 inclusive of taxes.
  
• Enercare Lot 850 100 Princes’ Blvd. Spadina-Fort York, Toronto Level 2 Basement all-day parking fee is $18+tax
  
• Lot 851 next to Hotel X surface all-day parking fee is $18+tax
  

Where at Hotel X will the films be screened at?

Films will be screened at the Cinema and Screening Rooms located at the ground floor of the hotel.

What types of films will be shown?

The 10 feature films and 7 short films offer a diverse range of genre from action/thriller, drama, romance, comedy to suspense.

Are there English subtitles?

Yes, all films have English subtitles.

How do I get tickets to see the films?

Please visit https://bit.ly/SineFilmFest2024

Are children allowed at the cinema?

Yes. Children below 48 months are free of charge but will sit on lap of parent or guardian. Children who are 48 months or older will need to purchase a seat on the same ticket price for adults.

Is there a festival pass to see all films?

There is no festival pass. People purchase per film or register separately for workshop of choice.

Are there opportunities to meet filmmakers and actors?

Yes, as some of the producers, directors and actors are coming to attend the festival.

Is the festival all about movie screenings only or are there other activities?

SFF also offers free educational workshops on development, production and acting, as well as showcase film equipment and gear that allows for an immersive experience at Studio Siné.

What can I learn from the workshops and how much to join?

Courses offered include film production and acting programs in three (3) different sessions. All courses are free of charge.

What are the workshop schedules and where at Hotel X?

How do I register for the workshops?

Please visit https://bit.ly/SineFilmFest2024

Can I register for multiple workshops and how much is registration fee?

Yes, you can register for multiple workshop sessions. All sessions are free of charge.

Can I register for the masterclasses and how much is registration fee?

Masterclass is a closed program for selected or identified Filipino-Canadian emerging talent

What happens on the day of the workshop?

Arrive at the designated workshop venue at least 15 minutes before your registered session.

Can I attend workshops and watch movies too?

Yes, you can if the workshop schedule you registered for doesn’t coincide with the film you want to see. Please refer to schedule above.

What should I wear at the festival?

Wear as you please and enjoy all the film screenings and workshops on both days.

Is there a red-carpet experience during the festival?

Yes. Red carpet experience is available during all film screenings beginning at 10:30AM. Drop-off is at 111 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, which is located at the back of the hotel.

Can I take photos or videos during film screenings?

Taking photos are videos are not allowed while movie is running.

Are there food and drinks available at the venue? Are we allowed to bring food?

A concession stand for popcorn and handhelds will be open between the Cinema and Screening Room on both screening days. Outside food is permitted but there are also wonderful restaurants within the hotel, Roses Social (2/F open from 7AM-10PM) and

Valerie (28/F open from 5PM-1AM Saturday and 5PM-10PM Sunday).

Are there accommodations and transportation options for out-of-town attendees?

Feel free to check Hotel X website and contact them directly for assistance. Hotel X does not offer a special rate for festival attendees.

Is there a number or email address to use if we have additional questions?

Please visit social media pages of @sineinstitute for more details or DM us for any inquiries.

How can I make the most of my SFF experience?

Enjoy all the activities that the festival has to offer. With all film screenings and workshops happening all in one space, what a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Filipino storytelling with everyone.

Questions? Comments?

LET’S TALK!