JUST A THOUGHT: Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. – Benjamin Franklin
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ENTER THE INDIE PRODUCERS: Perhaps, the best thing that can be said about the on-going 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, aside from its reported astounding opening day gross of R146 million, is the successful entry into the mainstream of at least three independent producers.
Not only are they among the top money-makers in the film fiesta, they also cornered all the major awards handed out by a respected panel of judges on Dec. 27 at the PICC. Their success points to a growing emergence of independent producers with a mindset to change the landscape of the MMFF.
Philippian Productions’ “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” won nine trophies, including Best Picture.
Quantum Films and Heaven’s Best Entertainment’s “English Only, Please” brought home seven awards, including those for best actor (Derek Ramsay) and best actress (Jennylyn Mercado).
Reality Entertainment and Agostodos Pictures’ “Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2” got six trophies, mostly in the technical categories, on top of having been named the 3rd best picture.
The three films are expected to even better their chances at the box office following the flood of awards that came their way.
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NEW DIRECTORS: MMFF 2014 also saw a number of young filmmakers formerly identified with the indie sector re-entering or making their way for the first time into the mainstream.
Enzo Williams (“Bonifacio”), Dan Villegas (“English Only”) are first timers in mainstream cinema. The three youthful directors behind “Shake, Rattle & Roll XV” are also new names in lights: Jerrold Tarog, Dondon Santos and Perci Intalan.
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NEW WAVE: Equally commendable is the importance given the MMFF’s New Wave Division, in which the frontliners were five highly promising feature films with strong commercial potential. It is not far-fetched to think that the time will come when New Wave films produced and directed by young Filipino filmmakers shall similarly make their way into the Main Competition.
It was also noteworthy that the winners of the New Wave division were allowed their moment to shine at the awarding ceremony. Proclaimed best actor was Allen Dizon (“Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker)” while Zsa Zsa Padilla “M. (Mother’s Maiden Name)” was named best actress.
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FILIPINO POP TENORS: The Filipino Pop Tenors cheer New Year 2015 with a performance in “Concert at the Park” on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.
The three-man group headed by theater/film actor-singer Miguel Castro performs a unique collection of classical, Broadway, OPM, and kundiman hits at the Open-Air Auditorium, Rizal Park, Manila.
They will be seen next at Paco Park Presents on Feb. 20.
The Filipino Pop Tenors also include Serafin Murillo and Adrian Lachica.
(nescuar@yahoo.com)
The best thing about MMFF 2014
Source: Mb.com.ph (January 01, 2015 at 10:00PM)
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