Wednesday, December 21, 2016
By Ruth Abbey Gita
FILM Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Liza Diño called Wednesday on the public to fully support the eight official film entries competing in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
In a press conference, Diño expressed hope that the Filipinos would still watch the eight entries – which are all independent films – that will be in theaters on December 25 and will run until January 7.
“It’s really a landmark opportunity for our independent film producers to have the exposure and the platform to showcase their films, especially this Christmas season,”Diño said.
“So we’re very proud and I hope that you will all support this move toward an even better edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival,” she added. Diño explained that the MMFF’s theme this year is “change” as it seeks to give independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their respective movies in the Filipino film festival.
The eight official film entries expected to be screened were:
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough
Marlon Rivera
Die Beautiful
Jun Robles Lana
Kabisera
Arturo “Boy” San Agustin & Real Florido
Oro
Alvin Yapan
Saving Sally
Avid Liongoren
Seklusyon
Erik Matti
Sunday Beauty Queen
Baby Ruth Villarama
Vince & Kath & James
Ted Boborol
Diño was optimistic that while there were no mainstream films included in the MMFF, the people would still look forward to watching independent films as those catered “unique stories.”
“Normally, those who are given the chance for commercial screens are mainstream films, which are normally more universally appealing and more commercially viable. But there are so many films,” she said.
“The reason why we are providing this opportunity for the independent films to be shown in this particular festival [is] really to develop the audience and give them the opportunity to see different themes, in terms of the films we have in our country,” Diño added.
Mocha Uson, who has been tapped as 2016 MMFF ambassadress, made a vow to promote the films through social media.
“We need change in the film industry. There are so many excellent filmmakers but are not given enough support by the government and the Filipino people. But now that there is already an opportunity to support them, we have to also promote these films,” Uson said. (Sunnex)
Source: Sun Star Manila
