‘Heneral Luna’ not too late for fans in central London

Overseas Filipinos in London gather outside Regent Street Cinema for “Heneral Luna” screening. MELISSA ALCANTARA

LONDON – Better late than never. The much-anticipated London screening of Filipino historical drama, Heneral Luna, took place at Regent Street Cinema to eager international crowds on May 15.

The premiere drew mostly positive reactions from cinemagoers, despite some viewers’ reservations over the violent nature of the film. Last year the film drew enthusiastic responses from viewers in the US and Canada.

Film fan Raquel Scrivens, originally from Bambang, Pasig City, said after the screening: “It was great to watch a Filipino film of this caliber with fellow Filipinos in London.”

Overseas Filipinos and Ambassador Evan Garcia, at Regent Street Cinema for “Heneral Luna.” MELISSA ALCANTARA

“[The film was] full of gunfire and explosions, bodies falling and a stoic hero at the center, all set during the Philippine-American war. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but it was worth every penny.”

Scrivens added: “Kudos to the director and everyone who made this masterpiece possible.”

Attendees included members of the Filipino community in the UK and the ENFiD-UK Board of Trustees.

‘Heneral Luna’ was introduced by Jamie Tapales Oakes, granddaughter of Gregorio del Pilar Sempio, one of the youngest generals in the Philippine Revolutionary Forces during the Revolution and Philippine-American War.

Filipino and International crowd in London stand for Philippine National Anthem at “Heneral” Luna screening, Regent Street Cinema. MELISSA ALCANTARA

The Philippine Embassy in London recently welcomed a new Philippine Ambassador, Evan Garcia.

Sharing a line from the film, “Ang bayan ko muna, bago sarili (My country first before myself) in his opening speech, Garcia set the tone before the lights dimmed, and welcomed everyone to revisit their country’s historical past.

In support of the Wonder Foundation, the screening was organized by the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company and sponsored by The Philippine Embassy in London, Romulo Café London, Muni Coffee and Sam Travel Philippines.

The Wonder Foundation seeks to empower vulnerable communities worldwide through education, working with locall -rooted projects in the UK and across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. www.wonderfoundation.org.uk @illumelation