Metro Manila Film Festival announces the first five official entries for its 50th edition

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The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announces the first five official entries for its 50th edition in December.  The first five MMFF entries are:

1. And The Breadwinner Is…
by: ABS-CBN Films (Star Cinema) and The IdeaFirst Company

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Cast: Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy De Santos, Via Antonio, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes and Ms, Gina Parreño
Writer: Daisy Cayanan, Jumbo Albano, Jun Lana
Director: Jun Robles Lana

2. Green Bones
By GMA Pictures

Genre: Suspense Drama
Cast: Dennis Trillo, Sofia Pablo
Writer: Ricky Lee, Angeli Atienza
Director:Zig Dulay

3. Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital
By Reality MM Studios

Genre: Horror
Cast: Jane de Leon, Enrique Gil, Rob Gomez, Alexa Miro, MJ Lastimosa
Writer: Kerwin Go, Dustin Celestino, Leovic Arceta
Director: Kerwin Go

4. Himala, Isang Musikal

by Kapitol Films and Unitel

Genre: Musical

Cast: Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Vic Robinson

Writer: Ricky Lee, Pepe Diokno

Director: Pepe Diokno

5. The Kingdom

by APT Entertainment, MZET TV Productions, Mquest Ventures

Genre: Action / Family Drama

Cast: Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual

Writer: Michelle Ngu-Nario

Director: Michael Tuviera

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrated the start of its golden jubilee last July 16, 2024, with a grand launch of its 50th edition under the theme 'Sine-Sigla sa Singkwenta'.

This special event highlighted MMFF's significant contributions to the local film and entertainment industry, as well as its role in bolstering the country's creative economy by generating jobs for Filipinos.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, a staunch supporter of Philippine arts and culture, graced the occasion with her presence. She praised the MMFF as a beacon of Filipino creativity and talent for five decades, highlighting its significant influence on the nation's artistic spirit.

Leading the ceremonies was MMFF and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

(MMDA) Chair, Atty. Romando Artes. He emphasized the significant support for the film industry, stating, "Nais kong banggitin na simula 2016, ang mga amusement taxes na nai-waive ng mga LGUs para sa MMFF ay 100 porsyento nang inilaan sa ating mga benepisyaryo, tulad ng Movie Workers Welfare Fund (MOWELFUND), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Optical Media Board (OMB), at Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) - isang pagkilala sa kanilang napakahalagang kontribusyon sa industriya. Ito ay nagpapakita ng ating suporta sa ating massipag na manggagawa sa pelikula, na nagpapahintulot sa kanila na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang gawain sa larangan ng paggawa ng pelikula."

A commemorative video showcased five decades of MMFF's impact on Philippine cinema, culminating in the reveal of the 50th-anniversary logo. This visual tribute underscored the festival's legacy and its contributions to the film industry. Hosts Jake Ejercito and Isabelle Daza kept the audience engaged as they unveiled a series of monthly activities planned to commemorate this milestone anniversary-

August: Launch of a special MMFF classic posters mural in partnership with i-Academy.

September: 'Sine-Singkwenta', featuring 50 selected Filipino movies shown in theaters for only P50.

October: Regional launch of MMFF50, including the MMFF50 Student Film Caravan at Universidad de Manila in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines

(FDCP). This event will feature a two-day masterclass on directing, acting, cinematography, and scriptwriting for 100 senior high school and college students.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity golf tournament and an MMFF50 Masterclass with international Filipino screenwriters, producers, and animators.

December: The annual MMFF50 parade on December 15, the Movie Premiere week from December 15 to December 20, MMFF Sponsors Night on December 21, and the highly anticipated MMFF50 Gabi ng Parangal on December 27. To commemorate this event, MMFF will present a customized trophy for the Gabi ng Parangal, crafted by renowned Filipino artist Jefre.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also expressed her support, highlighting MMFF's role in the city's cultural and economic landscape. She noted that the MMFF has been a vital part of Manila's cultural and economic scene, fostering both artistic talent and community spirit. Mayor Lacuna emphasized that the city is proud to support an event that enriches its cultural heritage and provides jobs and inspiration for its people.

One of the celebration's highlights was the reveal of the first five official movie entries for

MMFF50, generating excitement among attendees and setting the stage for a vibrant festival season.

In September 1975, former President Ferdinand Marcos expanded its scope to include the greater Manila area, renaming it the 'Metropolitan Film Festival. Today, the MMFF is an annual event organized by the MMDA and held nationwide, running from Christmas Day through New Year's Day and into the first weekend of January, focusing exclusively on Filipino-produced films.

MMFF announced the first 4 official entries to 49th MMFF on December 2023

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The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announced on Monday, July 10, the first four officials entries for its December edition this year.

MMDA chairman Don Artes, who also serves as concurrent MMFF chairperson, said the four films were chosen by a committee headed by Jesse Ejercito whom he described as a respected producer and industry stalwart of the film industry.

The four officials entries were 

• “A Mother and Son's Story” which is produced by Cineko Productions and starred by Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards;

• “(K)AMPON” starring Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ramsay under Quantum Films; 

• “Penduko” by Sari Sari Network with Cristine Reyes and Matteo Guidicelli as lead actors; 

• “Rewind” under ABS-CBN Film Productions starred by Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes.

"I thank the members of the MMFF Selection Committee for dedicating their time and effort in the thorough deliberation and selection process to choosing the initial set of quality films that moviegoers will surely love," said Artes.

Artes said the remaining four official entries to complete the MMFF 2023 will come from finished film submissions.

The deadline for the finished film submission is on September 29.

The 49th MMFF is set to run in December 2023 until January 2024

MMFF Parade of Stars Set in QC, Brings on New Partners to Promote Entries

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'Tis the season to be merry, for the much-awaited Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is coming into full swing.

With this year's theme, "Balik Saya ang MMFF 2022," the 48th edition of the film festival is bringing on new partners to make the event more thrilling for film makers and moviegoers.

This year’s Parade of Stars, which signals the official start of the festival, will be hosted by the local government of Quezon City. The parade, featuring floats carrying celebrities of the film festival’s entries, will start from Welcome Rotonda-Quezon Avenue to Quezon Memorial Circle at 2pm of December 21.

The parade will run for seven kilometers, with an estimated travel time of two hours and 30 minutes.

Staging area for the floats of eight official entries and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be along E. Rodriguez to D. Tuazon. The agency’s traffic enforcers will assist on the sidelines of the parade route for crowd control.

Meanwhile, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced it will be providing funds worth P500,000 to help in marketing the films through CreatePHFilms, for each film producer whose entries made it to the MMFF 2022.

The FDCP’s CreatePHFilms Funding Program is designed to provide support to filmmakers, producers, and distributors in all stages of filmmaking to complement their efforts to produce quality Filipino films.

The MMFF also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with BingoPlus, an online bingo game platform, to be the film festival presenter.

“This year’s festival promises an exciting selection of films for all moviegoers. It offers a wide variety of genres that will complete the tradition of Filipinos going to the cinemas during the holiday season," said Atty. Romando Artes, MMDA and MMFF Over-all Chairman during a meeting with the film producers, marketing team, and the parade committee held yesterday.

The official eight entries to the MMFF 2022 are: "Deleter" by Viva Communications, Inc.; "Family Matters" by Cineko Productions, Inc.; "Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told" by Borracho Film Production; "My Father, Myself" by 3:16 Media Network and Mentorque Productions; "Nanahimik ang Gabi" by Rein Entertainment Productions; "Partners in Crime" by ABS-CBN Film Productions; “Labyu with an Accent” by ABS-CBN Film Productions and "My Teacher" by TEN17P.

The 48th MMFF will run in theaters nationwide from December 25, 2022 until January 7, 2023.

The Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) is set on December 27 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Magic 8 Finalists of SUMMER MMFF 2020

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On Monday, the Metro Manila Film Festival announced the official entries to the summer edition of the MMFF 2020.

Of the 24 films submitted, eight movies made it to first-ever summer edition of the MMFF, which will take place from April 11 to 21 in cinemas nationwide. 

Here's the Magic 8 Finalists of SUMMER MMFF 2020 (Year 1)

1. "ISA PANG BAHAGHARI" (Heaven’s Best Entertainment) -- family drama by Joel Lamangan, starring superstar Nora Aunor, Phillip Salvador, Michael De Mesa, Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco, and Sanya Lopez.

2. "A HARD DAY" (Viva Films) -- Pinoy adaptation of the Korean action hit movie of the same title, by Law Fajardo, topbilled by Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, with Janno Gibbs, Al Tantay, and Meg Imperial.

3. "THE MISSING" (Regal Entertainment) -- horror flick by Easy Ferrer, starring Joseph Marco, Ritz Azul, and Miles Ocampo with Japanese actors.

4. "LOVE THE WAY U LIE" (TEN17p Films) -- romantic comedy flick by RC Delos Reyes, bida sina Alex Gonzaga, Xian Lim, Kylie Versoza.

5. "LOVE OR MONEY" (Star Cinema) -- romantic comedy by Mae Cruz Alviar -- tampok sina Angelica Panganiban at Coco Martin.

6. "COMING HOME" (Maverick Films, line produced by ALV Films) -- family drama by Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr. na tampok sina Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Martin Del Rosario, Ara Arida, and Edgar Allan Guzman.

7. "NGAYON KAYA" (T-Rex Entertainment) -- romance film by Prime Cruz, starring Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez.

8. "TAGPUAN" (Alternative Vision Cinema) -- romance film by Mac Alejandre, starring Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, and Shaina Magdayao.

The new festival happens April 11  until April 21 in cinemas nationwide.

Regal, all set to offer a new kind of horror via Sitsit... "HAUNTED FOREST" targets thrill-seeking millennial viewers this Christmas

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"We will surely be the number one choice of adventurous millennials this Christmas because 'Haunted Forest' was especially made not only for kids and Regal horror fans but primarily to the adventurous and thrill-seeking teenagers who would love to enjoy Christmas with their friends."

This was how the Regal Entertainment Inc. matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde described her anticipation for the unique success that await Regal's biggest and scariest supernatural teen horror masterpiece and the only horror film in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 -- "Haunted Forest." 

"We know that this year's lineup is mostly composed films starred by MMFF blockbuster veterans like Vice Ganda, Coco Martin and Vic Sotto," shared Mother Lily. "However, we believe that the festival and our moviegoers deserve something fresh and exciting. We want to give a chance to young talented actors who excellently gave life to a uniquely-Filipino yet world-class horror film crafted by no less than international award-wining director Ian Loreños."

Like Mother Lily, her daughter and seasoned producer Roselle Monteverde believes in the unique charm of the "Haunted Forest" to the moviegoers once MMFF opens on Monday, Christmas Day.

"Every Christmas, it has been part of MMFF viewers' long tradition to watch not just comedy but also horror films," said Roselle. "Kids, horror fans and most especially groups of friends always look forward to the extraordinary thrill and adventure that they experience while watching Regal's horror movies --- the unexplainable joy of sharing the scary and fun moments of the movie together with your barkada. And that's what makes 'Haunted Forest' unique for our young viewers."

Direk Ian further explained, "We assure you that this is not just your typical jump scare movie because 'Haunted Forest' is a film that you have to think about per scene in order for you to feel the horror."

"If you'll watch it with your whole barkada, you will all definitely feel like you are friends with the movie's main cast and you are one with them in solving the puzzle of the story and you will altogether get to know who Sitsit is."

Graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board, "Haunted Forest" is written by Jeps Gallon and topbilled by some of this generation's best young actors, Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas.

Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza and Jon Lucas

The story will revolve around the father-daughter relationship of ex-Manila policeman Aris (Raymart Santiago) and Nica (Jane) and the mysterious haunted forest where a dark creature called Sitsit resides.

Aside from the Regal teen stars, also part of “Haunted Forest” are seasoned actors Raymart Santiago and Joey Marquez. Completing the cast are Jerald Napoles, Betong Sumaya, Myrtle Sarrosa, Miho Nishida, Beverly Salviejo, Fiona Yang and Kelvin Miranda.

Make sure that your squad and family are complete this Christmas and watch Regal Entertainment Inc.'s official entry to the MMFF 2017, “Haunted Forest," to be shown on cinemas nationwide beginning Christmas Day, December 25!

For more information and latest updates about "Haunted Forest," simply visit Regal’s official social media accounts:

http://facebook.com/RegalEntertainmentInc/ 

Facebook.com/RegalEntertainmentInc/

http://twitter.com/regalfilms

Twitter.com/regalfilms

http://youtube.com/RegalCinema 

Youtube.com/RegalCinema

 

Erik Matti won MMFF 2015 Best Director for 'Honor Thy Father'

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'Honor Thy Father ' won 5 awards held Sunday, December 27 at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night at the Kia Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.

Erik Matti won Best Director despite the controversy surrounding Honor Thy Father’s disqualification from winning Best Picture in the Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Honor Thy Father was disqualified from the Best Picture category by the MMFF executive committee for violation of MMFF rules and regulations, for non-disclosure of the film's participation in another festival.

Video: Orange Magazine TV-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go2Nrl8ksZ0

Direk Erik Matti was not present during the awards night but here is his acceptance speech in full, read by Shiel Calde of Reality Entertainment at the ceremony.

(from the official Facebook page for the movie posted Matti’s acceptance speech.)

The film Honor Thy Father awards including Best Supporting Actor for Tirso Cruz III, Best Original Theme Song, and Best Child Performer for Krystal Brimner and Best Makeup Artist (Ryan Panaligan and Erika Racela.)

Honor Thy Father movie is about a family who find themselves in a Ponzi scheme. Edgar (John Lloyd Cruz) and Kaye (Meryll Soriano) seeks to pay their family's debt to Kaye's co-parishioners. The couple fear that the parishioners may hurt their daughter.

First screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, Honor thy Father was also screened in the Cinema One Originals Film Festival on November 2015. The film was accepted as an official entrant to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival

During the MMFF night, there are guests, artists,and producers air their sentiments on the film's 'Best Picture' disqualification issue.

While accepting her trophy for 'Buy Now, Die Later' and Walang Forever won second and overall Best Picture, respectively, Atty. Joji Alonso appealed to everyone to support all films and 'I hope you would watch all 8 films and not just two films. Thank you very much."

Atty. Joji Alonso said : "This should be an enjoyous moment. But I am not that happy. I only wished that Honor Thy Father was also part of this category. And I mean that with all sincerity. Dondon Montiverde, John Lloyd Cruz, and direk Erik Matti have created an outstanding film. And I would like to congratulate them for not stopping to dream and for continuing their advocacy in making meaningful films that hopefully would reach or touch the lives of people."

Congratulations Direk Erik Matti and to all the winners !

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival. The event was hosted by KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez. 

Check out the complete list of #MMFF2015 winners. 

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF : Walang Forever won as the 2015 MMFF Best Picture, with its stars Jericho Rosales, Best Actor and Jennylyn Mercado, Best Actress

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Walang Forever won 6 awards including Best Picture, and Best Actor and Best Actress for its stars, Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado during the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night held Sunday, December 27 at the Kia Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.

The FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence goest to Walang Forever movie, with Php 400,000 cash prize.

'Buy Now Die Later' won 2nd Best Picture, and "My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore won as 3rd Best Picture. As the Special award, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award also go to "My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore."

Winners of the New Wave category include the animated film, Buttons, which was created by Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez and Jared Garcia of De La Salle University – College of St. Benilde and the short film entitled, Mumu, written and directed by Cheryl Tagyamon of UP Diliman.

Here is the complete list of winners: 

Short Film Special Jury Prize: Daisy

New Wave Best Short Film: Mumu

Manila Bulletin Entertainment Best Animation Award: Momento

New Wave Best Animation Film: Buttons

Best Float Award: Buy Now Die Later

New Wave Best Screenplay: Ari: My Life with a King

Manila Bulletin Best Full Length Film: Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Full Length Film: Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Actor: JM de Guzman, Tandem and Francisco Quinto, Ari: My Life with a King

New Wave Best Supporting Actor: Thou Reyes, Toto

New Wave Best Supporting Actress: Bibeth Orteza, Toto

Best New Wave Film Director: John Paul Su, Toto

New Wave Full Length Jury Prize: Toto

New Wave Special Jury Prize: Little Lights

New Wave Best Picture: Ari: My Life with a King

Best Festival Child Performer: Krystal Brimner, Honor Thy Father

Best Festival Sound: Ditoy Aguila, Nilalang

Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten, Nilalang

Best Original Theme Song: "Tao," Honor Thy Father

Best Makeup Artist: Ryan Panaligan and Erika Racela, Honor Thy Father

Best Visual Effects: Nilalang

Best Production Design: Buy Now Die Later

Best Editing: Nilalang

Best Cinematography: Nilalang

FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence: Walang Forever

Male celebrity of the night: Cesar Montano

Female celebrity of the night: Jennylyn Mercado

Best Original Story: Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, Walang Forever

Best Screenplay: Paul Sta Ana, Walang Forever

Best Director: Erik Matti, Honor Thy Father

Best Supporting Actor: Tirso Cruz III, Honor Thy Father

Best Supporting Actress: Maine Mendoza, My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

3rd Best Picture: My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

2nd Best Picture: Buy Now Die Later

Best Picture: Walang Forever

Best Actor: Jericho Rosales, Walang Forever

Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado, Walang Forever

Congratulations to all the winners!

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival. The event was hosted by KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez.

Enjoy award-winning Filipino movies on HOOQ

HOOQ together with MMFF, both answered the call of entertainment buffs who enjoy watching their favorite films and TV shows wherever and whenever they want; through streaming and downloading of award-winning and quality locally-produced films. 

Since 2010, the New Wave category has given independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and the chance to have more funding for future film projects. This year, aside from the animated and short film entries being shown in cinemas, they were also released through the HOOQ app. It was the first time in the history of MMFF that entries were shown simultaneously online and in theaters. 

“We want the world to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer,” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “Supporting young filmmakers now is investing in the future of entertainment,” she added. 

Users will soon be able to watch other 2015 MMFF finalists and winners on HOOQ. They can also choose from close to a hundred past winners and finalists in its huge library of local films and TV shows, made available for streaming and download on multiple devices. 

New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv. Monthly subscription is available at only P149 and can be charged to your Globe mobile bill, via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

#GetHOOQdOnMMFF

Catch Up the Animation entries as HOOQ places student films in the spotlight at this year’s MMFF

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Join and enjoy the gateway to a world of unlimited entertainment.

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, gives you unlimited access to over 10,000 movies, indies and animation and TV series. Discover endless adventure, eternal drama and non-stop laughter at your fingertips.

It's time to widen your world of entertainment, as HOOQ, has signed a groundbreaking deal with the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to screen a selection of the official entries on the app. 

“Everyone has to start somewhere and for many directors, that happened while they were in school. Young filmmakers from schools like Ateneo de Naga University and DLSU-CSB made it as finalists in this year’s MMFF” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. 

“It is very encouraging that their animated films were chosen among hundreds of entries to take part in this festival,” she added. 

HOOQ is the exclusive presenter for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave Category, a partnership geared towards promoting quality Philippine entertainment. 

For the first time in the 41-year history of the film fest, the entries under the New Wave category will be simultaneously available in theaters and online, exclusively through HOOQ. 

Since the films will be on the HOOQ app, you can now watch them wherever you are, anytime you want. With just one app, you can stream, download and enjoy thousands of movies and TV series. All from your phone, laptop or tablet.

The MMFF New Wave category has been around since 2010 to give the opportunity to independent filmmakers to showcase their entries and the chance to take home prize money that could potentially be used to fund future film projects. This year’s finalists were selected by a jury out of hundreds of national submissions which was then trimmed down to five finalists each. 

Here are the entries for animation:

The Seed 

The Seed by Joven Maniaol shows the relationship of a man and his wife’s dog, with whom he does not favor, and how this relationship develops when the dog irrevocably ruins an anniversary surprised prepared by the husband. The film was inspired by the Pixar animated film UP and French film “Floating in my Mind.”

Buttons

Buttons was created by Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez & Jared Garcia of De La Salle College of St. Benilde. It is a story about 2 voodoo dolls living in a world where others seem to not notice their existence until one day, a mysterious voodoo doll shows up. 

The taboo nature of voodoo one of the pulls that attracted the creators to animating this story.

Geo 

Geo was written and directed by John Aurthur Mercader of Puppeteer Animation Studio has previously won the grand prize for Animahenasyon, the biggest animation film festival in the country. His team also won best in technical quality, Best Animation in Category B (6-30 mins.), and the Hero TV Choice Award in Animahenasyon. The short is about young Geo with a wild imagination, whose mother must always come to his rescue whenever he takes it a step too far.

Little Lights

Little Lights by was written and directed by Rivelle Mallari, the only finalist submission that claims no affiliation to a school or studio. It is a touching story about a physically weak yet strong-willed firefly named Charlie who struggles with his fear of darkness and finding his place within the firefly community. 

Alamat ng Giraffe

Alamat ng Giraffe, directed by Alyssandra Kyle Mallari and written by Karl Marlo Gonzales and Mel Jeffrey Jabido of De La Salle College of St. Benilde, tells a made-up legend on how the giraffe came to be.

Each film is under 10 minutes and (will be) screened started December 17 up to 24 at Glorietta 4, Robinsons Movie World Ermita and SM Megamall. All ten entries will be available on HOOQ from December 18.

In addition to the New Wave shorts and animated films for this year, HOOQ has close to a hundred MMFF past winners and finalists among its huge collection of local TV shows and films, made available for streaming and download on multiple devices. 

New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv. 

Monthly subscription is available at only P149 and can be charged on your Globe mobile bill or via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

HOOQ up with Metro Manila Film Festival’s indie entries for the very first time

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This 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival in partnership with HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, presents the entries under the New Wave category and will be simultaneously available in theaters and online, exclusively through HOOQ.

For the first time in the 41-year history of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and now the exclusive presenter for the 41st, MMFF New Wave category has a new Short Film Competition for amateur and professional filmmakers.

It's open-themed and for films ten-minute films. The Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave category features progressive works of independent and student filmmakers to express themselves through the powerful medium of film.

“Some of the most inventive techniques are shown in short films,” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “We’re very proud to showcase this and the creativity and talent of Filipino filmmakers.”

A partnership geared towards promoting quality Philippine entertainment, HOOQ and MMFF to address the growing needs of the digital natives to consume content at their own time; through streaming and download of the finalists’ animation and short film entries.

The MMFF New Wave category has been around since 2010 to give the opportunity to independent filmmakers to showcase their entries and the chance to take home prize money that could potentially be used to fund future film projects.  

This year’s finalists were selected by a jury out of hundreds of national submissions which was then trimmed down to five finalists each. 

There are five finalists from the short-film medium and another five from the animated genre. 

The complete list of entries are listed below.

Short-film finalists:

Daisy (Bryan Reyes of Colegio De San Lorenzo)

Ding Mangasyas (Justine Emmanuel Dizon of Kayumanggi Pictures)

Lapis (Maricel Cariaga of Center Stage Productions)

Momento (Jan-Kyle Nieva of UP Film Institute

Mumu (Jean Cheryl Tagyamon of UP Diliman)

These entries for short film feature:

Daisy, a story about a wife and mother Barbara who orders a Proxy Daisy robot to take care of household duties, only for Barbara to have a growing realization that there may be something very wrong with the robot that she has let into her families’ lives.  Written and directed by Bryan Reyes of Colegio de San Lorenzo, this is his first film competition that he joined on a whim and shot two days prior to the contest deadline.

Ding Mangasyas

Ding Mangasyas (Tough Guys) centers on 2 brothers who have had a lifelong love-hate relationship filled with violence. They’re faced with the emotional reality of separation as one of them packs up to work in the US. The film was directed by Justine Emmanuel Dizon and written by Jason Paul Laxamana of Kayumanggi Pictures, who was initially discouraged by the rejection of this same film in another competition. This is his first national competition, and he is proud to show off the “homegrown” talents of his team who are from Pampanga like him.

Lapis 

Lapis follows the career shift of a pencil artist in his 50s as he applies for a job as a graphic artist only to be confronted by the realization that his medium of expertise is defunct in a modern world.  This moving film that addresses the conflict of analog vs. digital artistry was inspired by real stories of unemployment in the country.  Written and directed by Maricel Cariaga of Center Stage Productions, this is her third competition after UP POV 11 and Sinkwento International Film Festival, wherein she placed top 3 for both.

Momento

Momento features an ageing couple, Teresita and Ronaldo, as they celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary--despite Teresita having made a terrible discovery earlier in the film that “marks the darkest hour of their relationship.”  Written and directed by Jan-Kyle Nieva of the UP Film Institute, Nieva states that he enjoys disturbing films and made this film to challenge himself into delving into a genre that he has not previously explored.

Mumu

Mumu is about a fresh grad named Kara who resists pursuing a nursing career despite her nagging mother and pressure from witnessing the success of her friends.  She also finds herself being haunted by a ghost – a character she had played in a blockbuster horror film. Mumu is directed by Cheryl Tagyamon from UP Diliman, who also wrote the film.  Mumu has thus far won 3rd place in the National Digital Arts Awards 2014 Motion Graphics Category for Students, and in the UP Film Institute’s Black Beret Film Festival it won the Audience Choice Award, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Performance.

The short films and animations under the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave category will be shown simultaneously on the country’s biggest subscription video-on-demand platform. Anyone with a HOOQ subscription can watch the shorts on just about any screen they own, on the same day the films are being shown in theaters.

Each film is under 10 minutes  and screened started December 17 and up to 24 at Glorietta 4, Robinsons Movie World Ermita and SM Megamall.  All ten entries will be available on HOOQ from December 18.

HOOQ has the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series, which includes close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Mulawin the Movie, “Pedro Penduko” and many more.

New users can enjoy a 30-day trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv.  

Monthly subscription is available at only  P149 and can be charged on your Globe mobile bill or via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.

Catch these Animation finalists too! 

Animation finalists:

8 (Johanna Kaye Boncodin of Ateneo De Naga)

Geo (John Arthur Mercader of Puppeteer Animation Studio)

Little Lights (Rivelle Mallari)

Buttons (Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez, Jared Garcia of De La Salle College of St. Benilde)

Marvino’s League of Superheroes (Ja Marti Escandor of Ateneo De Naga)