Representatives of the primary 5 Metro Manila Movie Competition (MMFF) entries, with MMFF organizers and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan (fifth from left) and first woman Liza Araneta-Marcos (seventh from left) —MARINEL CRUZ
Greater than attaining box-office success, the great stress felt by two producers—out of the 5 Metro Manila Movie Competition (MMFF) entries that had been introduced on Tuesday—comes from eager to make their movies proper.
Pepe Diokno, director of the entry “Himala, Isang Musikal,” defined: “Sure, we’re feeling the stress. We need to get this proper. Dapat talaga maganda. The supply materials is a basic. It’s a collaboration of three Nationwide Artists for Movie: director Ishmael Bernal, author Ricky Lee and actor Nora Aunor.”
The film “Himala” was launched in 1982. Some years later, Lee turned it right into a stage musical with the music of Vince de Jesus, Diokno famous. “It has been staged on the CCP (Cultural Heart of the Philippines), and twice in Makati, with the newest staging that includes Aicelle (Santos) and Bituin (Escalante). That’s the model that we’ll carry to movie,” Diokno advised Inquirer Leisure shortly after the grand launch of the fiftieth version of the MMFF held at Bulwagang Antonio Villegas, contained in the Manila Metropolis Corridor.
“Himala” is a manufacturing of Kapitol Movies and UXS. The opposite pageant finalists are the next: Zig Dulay’s “Inexperienced Bones,” starring Dennis Trillo for GMA Photos; Kerwin Go’s “Unusual Frequencies: Haunted Hospital,” that includes Enrique Gil and Jane de Leon for Actuality MM Studios; Michael Tuviera’s “The Kingdom,” with Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual for APT Leisure, M-Zet Productions and MQuest Ventures; and Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner is…,” starring Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo for ABS-CBN Movies and The IdeaFirst Firm.
“Himala, Isang Musikal” director Pepe Diokno (proper) and producer Madonna Tarrayo —MARINEL CRUZ
‘Kinarir talaga’
The remaining 5 entries can be introduced in October, or two months earlier than the pageant’s two-week run that can start on Christmas Day.
“We really feel pressured in each film that we make. Greater than its success on the box-office, we hope for individuals to love it,” mentioned Perci Intalan, producer of “And the Breadwinner is…”
“For this reason everybody within the manufacturing is working actually arduous to make this proper, from Direk Jun to our award-winning cinematographer Carlo Mendoza, and our editor Benjamin Tolentino. Even Vice is ensuring that his total look on this mission is ideal. Kinarir talaga!”
Intalan continued: “Jun and Meme (Vice Ganda’s nickname) sat down to speak about each the dramatic and comedic elements of the movie. There’s drama as a result of Vice performs a personality that’s grounded, one who’s a breadwinner and an OFW (abroad Filipino employee). Everyone knows how Direk Jun works. It’s vital for him {that a} character is complete and stable.”
“We additionally really feel pressured as a result of everybody appears to anticipate Vice to win an award for this,” Intalan added. “We’re grateful that a variety of our initiatives resulted in awards for Tito Eddie (Garcia, ‘Bwakaw’), Eugene (Domingo, ‘Barber’s Story’), LJ (Reyes, ‘Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’) and Paolo (Ballesteros, ‘Die Lovely’). As for Jun, he would at all times say, ‘I hope they received’t depend on me for that, however I’ll do my greatest.’ Based mostly on what I’ve noticed, from Vice’s preparations to his collaboration together with his director, it appears that he’s on the correct path. It’s much like what I noticed when Direk Jun labored with Tito Eddie, Uge and Paolo. I’m simply completely happy that they gel collectively,” Intalan mentioned.
Piolo Pascual costars with Vic Sotto in “The Kingdom.” —PIOLO PASCUAL/INSTAGRAM
Kickoff occasion
The occasion on Tuesday served because the kickoff of the pageant’s fiftieth version, which carries the theme “Sine-Sigla sa Singkwenta.” It highlighted the MMFF’s important contribution to the native movie trade, in addition to its position in bolstering the nation’s artistic economic system by producing jobs. First woman Liza Araneta-Marcos was the occasion’s visitor of honor. It was additionally attended by Honey Lacuna-Pangan, mayor of Manila, which serves because the host metropolis this yr.
The ceremony was led by Metropolitan Manila Growth Authority (MMDA) chair Romando Artes and MMFF choice committee head Boots Anson-Rodrigo. “I simply need to point out that since 2016, the amusement tax has been waived by our LGUs (native authorities models) for the MMFF and is given one hundred pc to its beneficiaries, notably the Film Staff Welfare Basis, Movie Academy of the Philippines, Movement Image Anti-Movie Piracy Council, Optical Media Board and the Movie Growth Council of the Philippines. This can be a type of assist to our hardworking trade employees,” declared Artes. The MMDA is the general organizer of the MMFF.
Vice Ganda (proper) with Jun Robles Lana, director of “And the Breadwinner is…” —VICE GANDA/INSTAGRAM
Month-to-month actions
Hosts Jake Ejercito and Isabelle Daza introduced the sequence of month-to-month actions deliberate to commemorate the MMFF’s milestone anniversary. Scheduled in August is the launch of the MMFF posters mural, whereas in September, the “Sine-Singkwenta,” which options 50 chosen motion pictures to be proven in theaters for under P50.
In October, they’ll stage the “regional launch” of “#MMFF50,” together with a scholar movie caravan on the College of Manila. It will function a two-day masterclass on directing, performing, cinematography and scriptwriting for 100 senior highschool and faculty college students. Moreover, there may also be a celeb golf match and an #MMFF50 masterclass with worldwide Filipino screenwriters, producers and animators.
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The annual Parade of the Stars can be on Dec. 15, whereas the “Film Premiere” sequence can be from Dec. 15 to Dec. 20. There can be a Sponsors’ Evening on Dec. 21, whereas the extremely anticipated Gabi ng Parangal can be on Dec. 27.
