NEWSFLASH 

---

3 RP FILMS IN BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
(from Manila Bulletin by Ronald Constantino)

Manila, Feb. 8, 2000 THREE RP FILMS IN BER-LIN -- The Berlin International Film Festival opens today with three Filipino entries in the Panorama and Forum sections. Mel Chionglo's ''Burlesk King'' is the opener of the Panorama section, where Joey Reyes' ''Toro'' (''Live Show'') is also showing. Lav Diaz's ''Hubad sa Ilaim ng Buwan'' (''Naked Under the Moon'') is in the Forum section.

Seiko producer Robbie Tan and actor Leonardo Litton are presenting "Burlesk King" in Berlin. Regal's Mother Lily Monteverde who produced "Toro" and "Hubad" is also attending the Berlin filmfest. "Toro" director Joey Reyes, who also heads Regal's international desk, and star Klaudia Koronel are also in Berlin. Ditto "Hubad" director Lav Diaz and star Joel Torre.

Berlin is the second most prestigious filmfest in the world, after Cannes. To date, the only Filipino film which has competed in Berlin is Ishmael Bernal's "Himala," which very nearly gave Nora Aunor the best actress award.

The list of local films exhibited in Berlin includes "Jose Rizal," "Itanong Mo sa Buwan," "Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya," "Sa Pusod ng Dagat," "City after Dark."

* * *

GLOBAL DESTINATION -- Other Filipino films eyeing the global market are:

Gil Portes' "Huwag Kang Kikibo" (Teamwork)

Mel Chionlo's "Lagarista" (Crown Seven)

Carlitos Siguion Reyna's "Asocena" (Millennium)

Chito Rono's "Laro sa Baga" and Nick Deocampo's "Pedrong Palad" (Regal)

Joel Lamangan's "Bulaklak ng Maynila" (Viva)

Marilou Diaz Abaya's "Muro Ami" (GMA Films)

Mike de Leon's "Bayaning 3rd World" (Cinema Artists)

Last year, "Saranggola," "Bata, Bata...Paano Ka Ginawa?," "Kahapon May Dalawang Bata," Jose Rizal," "Pila Balde," "Kriminal ng Barrio Concepcion," "Sidhi" were shown in international fimfests.