SWEDEN
SWEDEN
From Left to Right: Consul Lester F. Solosa, Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto, Dr. Birgit Tremmi-Werner, and Mr. Stefan Helgesson.
The Philippine History Forum, the first Philippine Studies initiative in the Nordic region, is an educational pilot project hosted at Stockholm University and led by Birgit Tremml-Werner. Supported by seed funding from the Philippine Office of Cultural Diplomacy and inspired by the vision of Senator Loren Legarda, the forum aims to foster global knowledge exchange between Nordic and Philippine universities.
Students of all levels are invited to engage in diverse learning experiences, including seminars with international historians, film screenings, and a "global classroom" series designed to promote cross-cultural dialogue through history and education.
On 3 October 2025, Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto attended a special screening of the classic film Bona at Filmhuset in Stockholm. Directed by Lino Brocka and starring Nora Aunor, the screening served as a centerpiece for the Philippine History Forum, highlighting the only Filipino film preserved in 35mm format within Sweden’s archives. The event featured academic insights from Dr. Birgit Tremml-Werner and Mr. Nadi Tofighian, who provided a historical context of Philippine cinema to an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and the Filipino community.
The screening was a key milestone of the Philippine Studies Program, established through a recent donation agreement between the Philippine Embassy and Stockholm University. By bringing Philippine culture and history into Swedish academia, the initiative fosters deeper international collaboration and appreciation for Southeast Asian arts. The evening concluded with high praise from attendees, reinforcing the enduring global impact of Philippine cinematic heritage.
Founded in 1878 to revitalize Swedish higher education, Stockholm University is a world-class institution ranked among the global top 100. Based in Sweden’s capital, it serves as a premier European hub for research and education across both the human and natural sciences.
The university thrives on a culture of openness and innovation, prioritizing international collaboration and interdisciplinary work. By engaging in public debate and social development, the institution actively works to make cutting-edge knowledge accessible to the wider global community.