Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) overall chairman Don Artes is not giving up on every Filipino movie fan of landing in the prestigious Academy Awards, or Oscars, as he led the screening of three Filipino films in the first ever Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.
Artes, who also chairs the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), expressed belief that the government supports to the local film industry through the MMFF would eventually pave the way for more international recognition.
He then expressed his optimism that through the MIFF, the Philippines would finally get a film nomination for the Academy Awards or Oscars which are presented every year in recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements in the United States and across the globe.
“The MIFF is the first step towards recognition of Philippine movies and talent. We believe in the talent of our filmmakers and we know that our local film industry just needs exposure and more opportunities to showcase them,” said Artes.
“This is the primary reason why we are expanding MMFF to show these films not just in local cinemas but also to the international audience,” he added.
The three films are:
· “About Us But Not About Us” starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas, directed by Jun Lana, which won Summer MMFF 2023 Best Picture
· “Here Comes The Groom” starring Enchong Dee, Miles Ocampo, and Kaladkaren, directed by Chris Martinez
· “Love You Long Time” starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano, directed by JP Habac
Also set to be screened next year in LA are the ten official entries of the 49th edition of the Metro Manila International Film Festival.
Directors, actors, and actresses from the three movies expressed their gratitude for giving them a platform to tell Filipino stories through movies which can be enjoyed by Filipinos and other moviegoers alike.
“It is in the way we tell our stories that we educate people of who we are and that in itself is what makes us unique and worthy of seeing,” Summer MMFF Best Actor Romnick Sarmenta, who is also present at the launch, said.
For his part, Artes said the positive feedback on the local filmmaking industry is a bounce back from the effects of the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic for the past few years.