The Philippine embassy will showcase two of the country’s critically acclaimed movies -- “Bonifacio” (2014) and “Heneral Luna” (2015) -- at the “Cinema Sentro Festival” at the Lee Byung Hyung Hall of the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul on March 6.

The initiative, part of the embassy’s efforts to promote Philippine arts and culture in Korea, is the first major cultural event of this year, alongside the launch of the Philippine Cultural Center “Sentro Rizal” in Seoul.

According to the embassy, the two films have had a large influence on the Philippine national community, raising awareness of their arduous struggle for independence and identity.

“Bonifacio,” directed by Enzo Williams, depicts the life of Katipunan revolutionary and first president of the Philippine archipelago Andres Bonifacio (1863-97), who led an independence movement against Spanish colonial rule that triggered the Philippine Revolution.

As an official entry at the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2014, the movie won nine awards, including the one for best picture.

“Heneral Luna,” directed by Jerrold Tarog, is a historical biopic illuminating Gen. Antonio Luca’s leadership of the Phillipine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War (1899-1902).

Considered “one of the greatest Filipino movies” according to the embassy, the film combines action and historical genres to become the Philippines’ highest grossing historical film of all time. It received critical acclaim for its cinematography, script and acting, and was selected as a national entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards, although it was not nominated.

On the day of screening in Seoul, “Bonifacio” will be screened from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by “Heneral Luna” from 1-3 p.m. and from 3:30-6 p.m.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)