Things I Just Learned About MMFF!

I came across the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on TV and learned a few things I never knew (or paid attention to) about the Festival before. I didn't finish the whole episode and incidentally watched the best of the rest - Ang Tanging Ina - a day after Christmas. 

Image Taken from the MMDA website

Here's what happened. Somehow, it left a number of questions unanswered.

1. I learned that MMDA (The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, yes the one who takes care of our roads) and the 17 Mayors of Manila are responsible for the MMFF. My first reaction was "?" but logic quickly replaced any wonder I felt. It actually makes sense that the MMDA, as tasked to spearhead Metro Manila's Development, is responsible for the development of the Arts in the metro as well. 

Image Taken from the MMDA website

2. Like the oath-taking of the current President Noynoy Aquino, representatives from various sectors of society (a teacher, driver, student, etc.) were chosen to be judges of this year's MMFF, maybe in the next few years too. Yes, a student was chosen to judge MMFF entries. Will it mean that movies that have sexual content or meaning (or not fit for children) can no longer be among the entries? Next year, they will add 2 more heroes to the roster.

3. There will be text messaging in the coming years to determine the Best Picture (they removed gross sales as a criteria this year). Sounds interesting.

4. Ruffa Guttierez came out with his two brothers. Then I remembered something about MMFF or a film festival and a Ruffa-Gabby scandal from my teenage years. Indeed, everything can be forgiven but not forgotten.

5. How come nominees are allowed to announce winners and perform on stage during the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal? Do we have a shortage of hosts, actors and performers nowadays? Is it a result of an MMFF exclusive coverage of GMA? Will it work if MMDA encourages equality, and not partiality by chosing only one, among the networks? Imagine tuning in to every local station on events night and finding the same program. Will people be irritated of the duplication or will word of a night dedicated to Arts be a good idea?

6. I got this from the MMDA chairman's speech - that content of MMFF movies showcase the Filipino way of life and how we overcome obstacles as a nation. Why is it that the entries seem like Part 3s or 4s of the same films every year? Were Filipino films always like this over the 36 years of existence of the MMFF?

7. There was a P100, 000 award to recognize Indie Films in this year's MMFF Gabi ng Parangal. I wish they would include some of the best and award-winning Indie Films in the MMFF film showing. Well, maybe there is and I just don't know about it.

8. I went to the movie theater to watch Ang Tanging Ina. There was a very long line of senior citizens presenting their coupons. Go there early to watch MMFF movies. There are no other film showings aside from the MMFF until the end of the year (a nice strategy to promote Filipino movies). They say Manila movies are cheap but that P180 burned a hole in my pocket.

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