‘Bonifacio’ producer questions MMFF judging process

Robin Padilla (Photo by Jude Bautista)

Despite a stellar nine-trophy finish at the recent 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture, the producer of “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” couldn’t help but wonder why their film wasn’t able to bring home the other major awards including Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Speaking on “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Monday, the biopic’s producer Rina Navarro admitted, “Hindi ko po siya ma-celebrate ng lubos dahil para sa puso ko at sa mga nanood ng ‘Bonifacio,’ si Robin Padilla, si Vina Morales, ang aming director, the way we wrote our script, buong puso nilang ginawa ’yun at ang effort po nila ay exemplary.”

She added, “Kung ihahalintulad ko siya sa pagkain, masarap ang ulam, panalo siya pero ‘yung nagluto at ’yung mga kasama na ingredients, hindi panalo.”

Navarro wanted to be “educated” on the film festival’s judging process, particularly in the Best Picture category as “hindi ko siya maintindihan.”

She made clear that she is not holding a grudge against the team of “English Only, Please,” which won Best Director (for Dan Villegas), Best Actor (Derek Ramsay) and Best Actress (Jennylyn Mercado).

“I don’t want to discredit anyone. Maganda naman ang acting nila,” she said. “Hindi nila kasalanan that they won. Lahat ng mga artista, of course, they gave their best. I only speak po for ‘Bonifacio.’”

Criteria

Metro Manila Development Authority chairman and head of the MMFF executive committee Francis Tolentino was quick to defend the judging process maintaining, “Lahat ay sinuri at sinuma ng ating independent auditing firm.”

According to Tolentino, the criteria for Best Picture include 25% creativity and artistry, 25% technical excellence and innovation, 25% content and 25% Filipino, cultural or historical value.

“Baka may close fight doon o merong basehan ’yung judges na hindi ko alam, hindi naman ako member ng board of jurors,” he said.

Tolentino thanked Navarro for entering this year’s MMFF, noting how “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” contributed greatly to the festival’s success.

‘Bonifacio’ producer questions MMFF judging process

Source: Mb.com.ph (January 01, 2015 at 01:47AM)

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