In a celebration of Filipino cinema, around 30 officials from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi attended a special screening of the critically acclaimed Filipino film The Kingdom at STAR Cinemas, Al Wahda Mall, on February 28, 2025. The exclusive event was held in partnership with Viva Middle East, underscoring the commitment to promoting quality Filipino content in the region.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, graced the event alongside executives from Viva Middle East. The screening served as an opportunity for embassy officials to witness the cultural and artistic significance of The Kingdom, a film that has captured the hearts of many Filipinos worldwide.
The Kingdom, directed by Michael Tuviera, is a Filipino action-adventure film set in the fictional Kingdom of Kalayaan—an alternate version of the Philippines that was never colonized. The movie, which stars Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual, explores themes of heritage, leadership, and power dynamics within its unique narrative framework.
The film premiered in the Middle East on January 16, 2025, and was showcased in major cinemas across the United Arab Emirates, including VOX Cinemas at Deira City Centre Mall and BurJuman, STAR Cinemas at Al Ghurair Centre Mall in Dubai, STAR Cinemas in Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, and Novo Cinemas at Sahara Center in Sharjah.
Before its international release, The Kingdom was a standout entry in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in the Philippines, running from December 25, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The film received high praise, earning several prestigious accolades, including 2nd Best Picture, Best Director for Michael Tuviera, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.
