MANILA — The Manila International Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday by showcasing ten Filipino films at the TCL Chinese Theaters on Hollywood Boulevard in California.
According to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), these ten films are the same ones that premiered during the most recent MMFF. The festival organizers emphasized that these films will be eligible for awards, which are distinct and independent from the MMFF awards given in December 2023. Filipino Americans with significant achievements in the film industry will serve as jury members, deciding the winners across nine categories.
The awards ceremony will take place during a gala at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard and will include a prestigious Best Picture award. This accolade comes with valuable perks, such as up to USD 100,000 worth of camera rental equipment, along with support from industry partners like Atlas Lens Co., BlackOps Studios Asia, CMB Film Services, Inc., and Myriad Entertainment USA, making the total package valued at USD 200,000.
Additionally, the winners of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay will each receive the latest version of Final Draft film editing software valued at USD 250 through Birns & Sawyer.
The Manila International Film Festival will also feature two other recognitions: the Audience Award, determined by MIFF moviegoers during screenings running through February 1, and the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to actress Hilda Koronel.
Other prestigious awards include the Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Cinematography.
The distinguished MIFF jury includes Marie Jamora, one of the first Filipinos in the Directors Guild of America (DGA); Mari Acevedo, CEO of Birns & Sawyer; Leah Anova, a director of photography; Reggie Lee, a TV, film, and Broadway actor; David Maquiling, academic and artistic director of the School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program at the University of Southern California; and Sumalee Montano, a television and film actress.
Expressing optimism, Don Artes, the overall chair of MMFF and acting chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), stated that MIFF plays a crucial role in elevating Filipino films, showcasing their exceptional and world-class quality. He expressed confidence in replicating the success of MMFF in Manila last December with the support of the Filipino community in LA and the international audience.
The ten films to be screened at MIFF are “Becky and Badette,” “Broken Heart’s Trip,” “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story),” “Firefly,” “GomBurZa,” “(K)Ampon,” “Mallari,” “Penduko,” “Rewind,” and “When I Met You in Tokyo.”
(By el Amigo/MNM)
