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Manila goes to Hollywood as stars, filmmakers attend inaugural Manila International Film Festival
Excitement is in the air as stars and filmmakers make their way to Hollywood to attend the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). It will be held from January 29 to February 2 at the TCL Chinese Theatres, with a gala and awards ceremony on the last day at the prestigious Directors Guild of America.
Flying in from Manila are stars like Alden Richards, Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Beauty Gonzalez, Eugene Domingo, Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, John Arcilla, Christian Bables, Ysabel Ortega, Andoy Ranay, Janella Salvador among others.
The Manila International Film Festival, which hopes to showcase and highlight Philippine films by bridging the gap between the two worlds, will spotlight the 10 films that were featured at the recently held Metro Manila Film Festival by premiering the movies in Hollywood.
Filmmakers who are scheduled to attend the MIFF include Perci Intalan, Anj Atienza, Pepe Diokno, Joji Alonso, Derick Cabrido, Brian Dy, Karishma Gidwani, Omar Tolentino and Benjie Cabrera.
The star-studded gala which will be held on February 2 at 6 p.m. at the Directors Guild of America will also have an awards ceremony, a red carpet, cocktails and a dinner after-party.
Nine MIFF awards, including Best Picture, voted by an independent jury of respected professionals in film, will be announced.
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) team will be represented by Romando "Don" Artes, chairman; Tim Orbos, executive committee member and former transportation undersecretary; Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona, executive director; Irene Jose, executive committee member and COO of The Araneta Group's entertainment unit; Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and team member; and Noel Ferrer, spokesperson.
Also scheduled to attend the MIFF are the Film Development Council of the Philippines' Tirso Cruz III and Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and consultant, respectively. Other events promoting collaboration and cooperation between the Philippines' filmmakers and Hollywood and beyond are also scheduled by MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema.
Below each director shared with us their inspiration for making their films.
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Genre: Comedy
Production Name: The IdeaFirst Company, OctoberTrain Films
Executive Producer: Perci Intalan
Lead Actresses: Eugene Domingo, Pokwang
Supporting Actresses: Agot Isidro, Peewee O'Hara, Angie Castrence
Supporting Actors: Romnick Sarmenta, Adrian Lindayag
Cinematographer: Kara Moreno
Screenplay: Jun Robles Lana
Original Story: Jun Robles Lana
"Becky and Badette is my fourth film this year, after Ten Little Mistresses, About Us But Not About Us and Anak Ka Ng Ina Mo. At the core of each film is an enormous lie; a deep, dark secret – that unless dealt with – can threaten the character's moral compass.
"Through the lens of comedy, Becky and Badette explores the lies we are sometimes forced to fabricate to make our lives a little more interesting to others. One can also say that this is my love letter to Vilma Santos, a legend in Philippine cinema, whom I have admired since childhood and hope to work with one day."
Director: Lemuel C. Lorca
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Adventure
Production Name: Smart Films Production, OPC in cooperation with BMC Films
Executive Producers: Benjamin Cabrera, Omar Tolentino
Lead Actor: Christian Bables
Supporting Actresses: Iyah Mina, Petite
Supporting Actors: Andoy Ranay, Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap
Cinematographers: Marvin Reyes
Screenplay: Archie Del Mundo
Original Story: Lex Bonife
"In crafting this film centered on LGBTQ individuals overcoming profound emotional setbacks, I aimed to illuminate the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit within the community. Through compelling narratives and nuanced characters, the project aimed to foster empathy and understanding, emphasizing that life persists beyond adversity. Broken Heart's Trip is a testament to the diverse stories within the LGBTQ spectrum, underscoring the universal theme of human resilience.
"Now, more than ever, supporting the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is crucial for the survival of the Philippine cinema industry. Our collective backing is vital to ensure that diverse narratives, like those portrayed in this film, continue to find a platform. By championing local cinema, we not only celebrate our unique storytelling but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of an industry that reflects the richness of our cultural tapestry. Together, let us fortify the foundation of our cinematic landscape and pave the way for more inclusive narratives to flourish."
Director: Nuel Crisostomo Naval
Genre: Drama
Production Name: Cineko Productions, Inc.
Producers: Enrico Roque, Patrick Meneses, Jacky Lim
Lead Actress: Sharon Cuneta
Lead Actor: Alden Richards
Supporting Actresses: Jackielou Blanco, Miles Ocampo, Donna Carriaga, Adriana So, Carla Guevarra
Supporting Actors: Tonton Gutierrez, Soliman Cruz, Pepe Herrera, Justine Luzares, Chris Tan
Cinematographer: Anne Monzon, LPS
Screenplay: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario
Original Story: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario
"Family of Two came to mind as our follow-up film to last year's Family Matters. After the latter received good reviews in terms of promoting Filipino family values, we want to follow through with a film that reinforces familial love, honor, and respect – principles that are deeply etched in our traditional culture.
"We want to keep the story as simple as possible but truly heartwarming and emotionally connecting. A mother and a child. A family of two.
"There is no greater love than that of a mother's love for her child, a love that never holds back. As selfless as the love that my own mother has given and raised me with – showering me with love like nothing else in this world.
"And this deep love instilled in the heart of her child gives him the ability to love. To love back. To honor and respect her who nurtured and raised him.
"Years may have passed, and the child has gone past childhood and has grown fast into adulthood. Yet a mother is still a mother, and her love remains. And the least the adult child can do is to keep honoring her with tender love.
"This film is a tribute to all mothers. Our own Hero. This may be our story. My story. Your story."
Director: Zig Dulay
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Production Name: GMA Pictures (of GMA Network, Inc.)
Producer: Nessa S. Valdellon
Lead Actress: Alessandra De Rossi
Lead Actor: Euwenn Mikaell
Supporting Actresses: Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Ysabel Ortega, Max Collins
Supporting Actors: Epy Quizon, Miguel Tanfelix, Dingdong Dantes
Cinematographer: Neil Daza
Screenplay: Angeli Atienza
Original Story: Angeli Atienza
"I followed three intertwining stories while creating Firefly.
"First, it's the story of a child and his quest to discover the Isle of the Fireflies — a dream he shared with his mother. The isle is a metaphor for every child's dream, encompassing not only his aspirations but also those of his mother for him. The luminescence of the firefly epitomizes the power of a dream. I think that's the heart of the story; that's where I draw my inspiration.
"Everything I do is in pursuit of a dream, a promise I made to my mother when she was still alive. To this day, I strive to craft meaningful and relevant films with the hope of making my mother proud.
"Second, it's the story of a mother and how she does everything to nurture her child's dream. A mother's love is immeasurable. In all the projects I undertake, I always feel my mother's guidance and I still carry the values and love she instilled in me. And that serves as my guiding light on my journey — the power of her love.
"Third, it's the tale of a storyteller and how he uses storytelling to heal the wounds from his past, to construct his identity, and to confront and overcome fears and uncertainties. In his journey, his guiding light is the transformative power of art.
"Like the child with his dream, the mother with her boundless love, and the storyteller with his art — we are all fireflies. We carry a guiding light within us. Let us use that light to illuminate our own paths and to light the way for others."
Director: Pepe Diokno
Genre: Historical
Production Name: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc., MQuest Ventures, Inc.
Executive Producers: Fr. Emmanuel Alfonso, SJ; Fr. Roseller Atilano Jr., SJ; Jane J. Basas
Producers: Pauline Mangilog-Saltarin, Ernestine Tamana
Lead Actors: Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, Dante Rivero
Supporting Actors: Piolo Pascual, Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Neil Sese, Paolo O'Hara, Tommy Alejandrino
Cinematographer: Carlo Canlas Mendoza
Screenplay: Rodolfo Vera, Pepe Diokno
"Jose Rizal dedicated "El Filibusterismo" to GomBurZa, and in a letter, he confessed that the three priests' influence was so significant that without them, he might never have penned his novels. This reverence extended to the members of the Katipunan, who used pieces of black cloth as anting-anting (amulet), believing them to be torn from GomBurZa's cassocks.
"It's easy to wonder why Rizal and the Katipunan found inspiration in three unassuming priests who never fought a war. But making this movie, I began to understand why.
"While history often focuses on grand, heroic figures, GomBurZa were simple people caught in a whirlwind of political upheaval — but they held a little fire that would eventually spread throughout our nation. Their story is not one of individual heroism, but of collective strength, not just of battle, but of sacrifice.
"These, I believe, are Filipino values, and they are still relevant today. I hope that GomBurZa's story moves, inspires, and unites the current generation of Filipinos, just as it did generations past."
Director: King Palisoc
Genre: Horror
Producer: Quantum Films
Lead Actress: Beauty Gonzalez
Lead Actor: Derek Ramsay
Supporting Actresses: Zeinab Harake, Erin Espiritu, Cai Cortez
Supporting Actors: Nico Antonio, Nor Domingo
Cinematographer: Kara Moreno
Screenplay: Dodo Dayao, FSG
Original Story: King Palisoc
"Families in the Philippines are sometimes built under the pressure cooker of society's demands. I remember at one point in my marriage, my wife and I would often get asked, "O, kelan na ang baby (So when are you having a baby?" and be reminded of our "biological clocks" at family reunions. Coupled with the teachings of Christianity on what a family should be, there's a pervasive (albeit antiquated) belief in our country where marriage without children is seen as senseless.
"This was the jumping-off point for the story of Kampon – I wanted to explore the dynamics of a married couple, childless whether by fate or circumstance, and the societal horrors that could come with it. And as we expanded the world of Clark and Eileen, my writer Dodo Dayao and I found ways to heighten the paranoia and fear by infusing the story with elements of the occult and the supernatural.
"Kampon is inspired by a lot of 70s American horror that delved into themes around the deterioration of family and societal trauma. This is the kind of deep-rooted fear that I wanted to explore in Kampon in the hopes of presenting what could potentially be a mirror to the Filipino family today."
Director: Derick Cabrido
Genre: Horror
Production Name: Mentorque Productions
Executive Producer: John Bryan D. Diamante
Producers: John Bryan D. Diamante, Ronalyn D. Bana-ag
Lead Actress: Janella Salvador
Lead Actor: Piolo Pascual
Supporting Actresses: Elise Joson, Gloria Diaz, Ge Villamin
Supporting Actor: JC Santos, James Clarence Fajardo
Cinematographer: Juan Lorenzo "Pao" Orendain
Screenplay: Enrico C. Santos
Original Story: Enrico C. Santos
"Mallari is a horror masterpiece that narrates the story of Fr. Severino Mallari and his descendants. Drawing inspiration from the tragedy of the infamous priest, Filipino folklore, and the harrowing events in our country's history, the film unearths the dangers of love, which can sometimes turn into the darkest of curses. The film depicts how the consequences of a single choice can reverberate throughout time, not just in one person's life, but also in society's collective consciousness.
"Through the interwoven stories of three generations of Mallaris – Fr. Severino, Johnrey, and Dr. Jonathan – our film demonstrates the fragility of human love and how something we deem good and even sacred can bring out the darkness within us.
"Moreover, by blurring the lines between what constitutes fiction and nonfiction, the film explores the different forms through which the concept of fear has evolved within the Filipino psyche. Our society's images of fear have taken many forms throughout the centuries: the unearthly and the supernatural during the Spanish colonial era, the horrors of war and the anxieties of political espionage and communist insurrection in the postwar period, and ultimately, in our contemporary times, the madness that may be hiding in the minds of those closest to us.
"Through the exploration of fear and its many forms, we may be able to face not only what hides around us in the dark but also what we hide or choose not to see in ourselves."
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Production Name: Epik Studios, Sari Sari Network, Inc., Viva Films
Producers: Vic Del Rosario, Jr., Jane Basas
Lead Actress: Kylie Verzosa
Lead Actor: Matteo Guidicelli
Supporting Actresses: Andrea Del Rosario, Candy Pangilinan, Annika Co
Supporting Actors: John Arcilla, Albert Martinez, Tyro Daylusan
Cinematographer: Alex Espartero
Screenplay: Jason Paul Laxamana
Original Story: Jason Paul Laxamana based on the original characters created by Francisco Coching
"If one reviews the past incarnations of Pedro Penduko, one will see that he has no consistent lore. But one thing is certain – he has always been a platform for showcasing Filipino folklore and mythology.
"Hence, in this 2023 film version, Penduko, I chose to retain that essence while giving Penduko a new world and backstory where he can be relevant and resonant to the new generation of audience."
Director: Mae Cruz Alviar, DGPI
Genre: Romance, Drama
Production Name: ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, Inc., AgostoDos Pictures
Producers: Carlo L. Katigbak, Kriz Anthony G. Gazmen, Michael B. Tuviera, Jose Sixto Dantes III
Lead Actress: Marian Rivera
Lead Actor: Dingdong Dantes
Supporting Actresses: Coney Reyes, Ina Feleo, Sue Ramirez, Via Antonio, Pamu Pamorada, Mary Jo Apostol, Shanaia Gomez
Supporting Actors: Ariel Ureta, Pepe Herrera, Joross Gamboa, Chamyto Aguedan, Lito Pimentel, Neil Coleta, JC Alcantara, Jordan Lim
Cinematographer: Neil Daza, LPS
Screenplay: Enrico C. Santos
Original Story: Enrico C. Santos, Joel Mercado
"When I first read the script in early 2020, I was moved profoundly because of its message. Essentially, it is a great love story between a married couple, John and Mary. Ultimately, Rewind is about a greater kind of love…the greatest, in fact. It poses the question "What are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love?" This touches on death and how we must learn to let go and trust that everything has a purpose. I remembered my late father and how I tried to make sense of him going so soon. Yes, this film is personal.
"Just as we were preparing the film, the pandemic happened. Understandably, the Dantes couple was not ready to work yet. Sadly, we had to park the project then, uncertain of its future.
"Three years later, our schedules aligned, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. All in His perfect time.
"The treatment was simple and straightforward. As for the lighting, it was intentional in making it evident. Its presence is like a character in the story…hovering, transforming, enveloping. The production design complemented it, creating the cages and stages of the story. Piano was the main instrument providing haunting music for its highs and lows. Most of all, the sincere performances of the actors gave dimension to the love of the characters. Everything blended well to create the film that Rewind is.
"Rewind is timely and timeless. This is a film that shows us the urgency of living and loving better today because tomorrow is never guaranteed."
Directors: Conrado "Rado" Peru, Rommel Penesa, Christopher de Leon
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Production Name: JG Productions, Inc.
Producers: Rowena Jamaji, Rajan Gidwani, Karishma Gidwani, Regina Magno
Lead Actress: Vilma Santos
Lead Actor: Christopher de Leon
Supporting Actresses: Gina Alajar, Lynn Cruz, Kakai Bautista, Cassy Legaspi, Lotlot de Leon
Supporting Actors: Jacky Woo, Gabby Eigenmann, Darren Espanto, John Gabriel
Cinematographer: Shayne Sarte, LPS
Screenplay: Suzette Doctolero
Original Story: Conrado "Rado" Peru, Christopher de Leon, Vilma Santos
Conrado "Rado" Peru: "In 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, I found myself constantly locked up in my room. With nowhere else to go, I developed stories that eventually turned into concepts with just my phone, a pen, and a bunch of paper. These stories are close to my heart – one of which developed into a production, then turned into a film, and is now watched by a lot of people around the world.
"With the hope of producing more films in the future, When I Met You in Tokyo is a good start not only for me but more so for other people by providing jobs and therefore helping them and their families. Thinking about all my friends turned into families in this field, I hope for nothing but for all of us to rise together to revive the movie industry in the Philippines.
"But of course, this film would not be possible without inspiration. I chose to create and direct When I Met You in Tokyo to dedicate it to all OFWs who have devoted their lives, sacrificing for their loved ones here in the Philippines. With that, as a director going to his senior years, there is one thing that kept, and keeps, me going: love. Love knows no age nor boundaries. It sheds light and hope for a future we can and cannot imagine. Without love, life is meaningless, and that inspired me to create this film."
Rommel Penesa: "The film paints a vivid portrait of Tokyo as the backdrop to a love story that defies cultural differences. It explores the universal themes of sacrifice, suffering, and the profound impact of time on relationships. As Azon confronts an age-related debilitating disease, their love faces its most formidable test, challenging Joey to redefine the meaning of commitment and the promises made in the name of love."
Christopher de Leon: "It was my co-actor Vilma Santos, Director Rado Peru, and our producer Redgie Magno who persuaded me to take on the role of associate director.
"Directors Rado Peru and Rommel Penesa's dilemma, "How will we give instructions to a very good actress with many Best Actress awards, Vilma Santos, on what to do and what not to do? That was when I came into the picture to be an associate director!"
"They know that I do direct and have done some movies for television in the past.
"In When I Met You in Tokyo, I enjoyed my work behind the camera as an associate director, as I am well-acquainted with my co-actor Vilma Santos. It made my work as an associate director even more delightful as we were so relaxed with each other. It was fun. It was really fun.
"This recent stint as an associate director for When I Met You in Tokyo sparked my interest once more and reignited my passion for the craft.
"I plan to go back and get serious about my director's dreams of telling stories, giving life to the characters. That's entertainment, our field.
"Art imitating life or life imitating art."
The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president, Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer.
For more information and to avail of tickets, please go to www.manilainternationalfilmfest.com.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
