Star-studded gala to serve as prelude to MMFF’s golden edition

“We’re offering many activities to promote the Philippine movie industry.”

That was Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, lawyer Romando Artes, speaking and giving everyone an idea of what to look forward to with the 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in a recent press conference.

“Marami po tayong plano na gustong gawin. Marami rin po tayong activities (there’s a lot of plans and activities we intend to do),” added Artes, who also sits as the chairman of MMFF.

Part of the activities is the “Golden Gala” that will happen on Nov. 11, with the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) as part of the event, the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND) as the beneficiary, and City of Dreams Manila as the venue and event partner.

“It’s the first-ever gala of MMFF,” said he.

Their respective websites inform one that MIFF is a platform with the goal “to showcase, promote, and help uplift Filipino films in Hollywood and beyond,” while MOWELFUND is “a non-stock, non-profit social welfare, educational, and industry development foundation” with the aim “to serve the marginalized workers in the Philippine motion picture industry.”

In a statement from MMFF, the event is expected to “bring together a distinguished audience of celebrities, industry leaders, and influential personalities to honor the best of Philippine cinema, while also reinforcing its ties to the global film community.”

As for the 50th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes says there will be many activities being lined up, such as a celebrity golf tournament, a masterclass, and the ‘Golden Gala’ on Nov. 11 at the City of Dreams Manila.

With that, one can say that the “Golden Gala” is a gathering of key personalities and players behind the MMFF and the Philippine cinema that engages them to look back at the past, reflect on the present, and forge the future.

The MMFF chairman also looked back on that the film festival was created with the purpose “to help the movie industry develop and grow.”

The film festival has become one of the local avenues to showcase Pinoy narrative films in varied genres and the artistry of each creative that makes up filmmaking.

Entries are shown in theaters from Dec. 25 until the early parts of January the following year. Families and friends come together to watch the movies on the big screen.

The MMFF is part and parcel of Pinoy Christmas memories and tradition.

Artes said that “Nagbibigay din po ng benepisyo ang MMFF sa ating industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino (it also helps the Philippine cinema industry). The proceeds of MMFF will go to its beneficiaries, including the MOWELFUND.”

The latter, considered the twin of MMFF, also celebrates its 50 years.

The different institutions involved in the “Golden Gala” were represented, during the ceremonial contract signing, by chairman Artes and executive director Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona for MMFF; MIFF COO Raul Putong; chairwoman Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, board member and vice chairman Gina Alajar, director for welfare Joey Roa, and trustee (and director of CMB Film Services) Jim Baltazar for MOWELFUND; and City of Dreams Manila VP for Public Relations Charisse Chuidian.

Also gracing the event were Media Puzzle Holdings Corp. CEO Cherry Ann Carrera and project director Bing Viray, with brand partners, Shantal’s Beauty & Wellness Products, represented by CEO and founder Rossel Dimayuga; Brenan Global, represented by CEO Brenda So; Wow Glow, owned by Mariz Villanueva and Vlad Villanueva; and Gluta Skin, represented by CEO Lira Lacsamana.

“Aside from the gala, we have a celebrity golf tournament, and there’s also a masterclass that will bring Fil-Am creatives, who work in Hollywood, here,” said Artes.

So, they will share valuable insights about screenwriting, editing, directing and acting. The masterclass will be attended by Filipino creatives.

The talks on best practices in filmmaking being generated from the masterclass will further strengthen the Filipino film’s attempts to compete in international film festivals and award-giving bodies like the Oscars.

Artes hoped that such an effort will lead to the inclusion of a Pinoy movie on the list of nominees for the Oscars or the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in the future.

The Ramona Diaz documentary titled “And So It Begins” is the Philippine entry to the forthcoming 97th Oscars.