Colombian documentary 'Miss Maria, the Foothills' premieres in Manila

Within the framework of Colombia's Cultural Diplomacy Strategy, the Colombian Embassy in the Philippines presented the documentary Señorita María, la falda de la montaña (Señorita Maria, the Skirt of the Mountain), by Colombian director Rubén Mendoza, at the SM North Edsa cinema in Quezon City, Manila. This in-person screening was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, as part of the official programming of the Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ film festival.The documentary chronicles the life of María Luisa Fuentes, a trans woman living in the rural town of Boavita, Boyacá. Through her story, Filipino audiences delve into Maria Luisa's reality, which reflects both the progress and challenges faced in terms of diversity and rights in Colombia.**media[29278]**In this work, Colombian director Rubén Mendoza captures a portrait of the everyday resilience of the LGBTQIA+ population, earning acclaim for its focus on gender identity, faith, and rurality.The opening of this documentary featured the participation of the Embassy's Cultural Affairs Officer, Juan Pablo Mejía, who highlighted the Mission's commitment to promoting human rights and diversity. These activities highlight these realities and strengthen Colombia's image as a diverse country committed to inclusion.**media[29277]**This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, a strategic partner for the promotion of Colombian cinema in the Philippines. The documentary's inclusion in the Pelikulaya festival allowed it to broaden its impact and reach a diverse audience, as it was open to the general public.Colombia's Cultural Diplomacy Strategy is a cultural diplomacy tool of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose purpose is to support the achievement of the Colombian State's foreign policy objectives, while strengthening artists, agents, and actors in the national cultural sector and promoting their international presence.