By Carissa Alcantara
A new generation of talented and young student filmmakers will emerge following the launch of the Manila Film Festival which will be held in June.
Originally launched by former Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas as the Metropolitan Film Festival in the 1960s, the film festival returns under the new name called The Manila Film Festival (TMFF).
During the signing of the memorandum of agreement at the Bulwagang Villegas last Feb. 10, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna shared how excited she is to bring back the magic of the film industry with the help of Vice Mayor Yul Servo.
"Ngayong po minabuti po namin na buhayin ang pelikula dahil ako po ay napapaligiran ng mga kasamahan sa konseho ang aking partner na si Yul Servo Nieto na napaka passionate po sa kanyang craft, na buhayin muli ang film industry sa pamamagitan ng The Manila Film Festival," Mayor Lacuna said.
(Right now, we decided to revive the film because I am surrounded by colleagues in the council, my partner Yul Servo Nieto who is very passionate about his craft, to revive the film industry through The Manila Film Festival)
TMFF is open to films by young filmmakers from all over the country. It is open to grants so that even students from both private and public schools can submit entries, but must be officially endorsed by their heads.
From 300 entries, the film festival committee will choose 20 films and eventually will cut down to eight films that will be given a grant worth P300,000 to a maximum of P500,000.
As the festival gives its way to the students, the committee of mentors is spearheaded by Director Joven Tan. The members of the committee include Al Tantay, Joselito Altajeros, Pancho Maniquis, and more.
According to Director Al Tantay, they will do their best to give the students everything they need to know about filmmaking.
"Syempre as mentor, siguro bibigay namin yung kung ano yung nalalaman namin sa pagagawa ng pelikula, isheshare namin sa kanila, baka nga matuto pa kami sa kanila yun yung maganda dun," Director Al mentioned.
(Of course, as a mentor, maybe we will give what we know about filmmaking, we will share it with them, or maybe we can learn from them, and I think that's a good thing)
The premiere night of the TMFF will be on June 14. Screening of official entries will be from June 17 to 24, as part of the Araw ng Maynila celebration.
The awards night will be announced before celebrating Araw ng Maynila.