In their diverse cultures, they found commonalities.

Film commissioners from all over Asia met in Manila recently to discuss vital issues affecting the movie industries in their respective countries.

Hosted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the meeting of the Asian Film Commissioners’ Network (AFCNet) was held for three days in June.

Seven delegates from five countries discussed such urgent issues as censorship, dwindling audience patronage due to Hollywood influx, and lack of funds, marketing support and incentives, among others.

“Although we are competitors, we share common problems and can help each other find solutions,” said Philippine representative Digna H. Santiago, executive director of the Philippine Film Export Services Office which is under the FDCP.

“This meeting is an important step in making the Philippines a shooting venue for foreign productions. The event shows that the Philippines is considered a major player among film commissioners in Asia,” said Rolando S. Atienza, FDCP head.

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The Nigerian community in Indonesia celebrated its 49th Independence Day anniversary in a festive atmosphere Friday at the Gran Melia Hotel in Jakarta.

Nigerian Independence Day actually fell on Thursday, but the colorful reception was pushed back to Friday. The Embassy organized a seminar on investment potentials in Nigeria at the same hotel on Thursday.

The hotel ballroom looked like a little Nigeria, as most Nigerian guests wore colorful traditional dresses. Everybody was in a joyous mood, and there was a special Nigerian food corner and free flow of drinks.

Nigerian Ambassador to Indonesia Ibrahim Baba Mai-Sule personally welcomed the guests, most of whom were prominent members of the local Nigerian community, senior government officials, businesspeople, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto and the Foreign Ministry’s director general for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs, T.M. Hamzah Thayeb, as well as members of the diplomatic community.

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