Internationally acclaimed “Quezon’s Game” movie had its Australian premiere at the Sydney Jewish Museum on February 26, 2020. The ABS-CBN Global – TFC’s invite-only event included a special commemoration which aimed to renew the ties between the Filipino and Jewish community in Australia.
The tribute of kindness was led by the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies — the roof-body of the Jewish community and advocate of its 166 major communal organisations. In attendance were officials from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney led by Consul General Ezzedin Tago and other foreign dignitaries.
Before the screening, messages were expressed by Mr Jay Santos [Country Manager of ABS-CBN Australia], Hon Ezzedin Tago [Philippine Consul General in Sydney] and Mr Vic Aldaheff [CEO NSW - Jewish Board of Deputies].
The movie, which has won 25 awards in various international film festivals, was produced by ABS-CBN Films Star Cinema in association with iWant and Kinetek. It highlights a point in Philippine history that many Filipinos are not aware of. It is a film that tells the story of how Philippine President Manuel Quezon, future U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, and several other notable figures set out to rescue Jewish refugees from the ghettos of Germany and Austria. What seems to be within their power at first, turns out to be fraught with great obstacles. Nevertheless, their perseverance helped about 1,200 Jewish refugees who were escaping from the wrath of the Nazis. During this time, Quezon also battled a relapse of tuberculosis. In his final days, Quezon asks the question "Could I have done more?"
The movie was released for general screening initially for a week starting February 27. The good news is that the Australian screening has been extended as shown on the flyer above. It is suggested that people contact the cinemas to confirm screening times.