One of the most challenging films to produce is a musical. (lalo na kung out of tune ka teh!) The music, story, and direction should be in one creative package. (Wow, I'm feeling like a film critic, ha!) For the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF),  “Isang Himala” is the only movie musical. It stars theatre actress Aicelle Santos (na nakailang plays na local at international ha!) with the music of Vince De Jesus (go ate ZsaZsa Zaturnah!) and direction of Pepe Diokno (na Best MMFF director for Gomburza!)

This was based on the 1982 film  Himala of National Artists Ishmael Bernal and Ricky Lee, topbilled by another National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor. (walang himala!)  It also became an inspiration for different stage plays in the decade of 2000s.  (umariba nang bongga si ate mo Elsa!)

Comedy, fantasy, and love stories usually get the highest box office results at the MMFF, but the cast members hope moviegoers will support their masterpieces. One of the film’s actresses, Bituin Escalante, says: “Let’s not underestimate the audience. Ang importante maipakita ang isang obra tulad nito.” (or else lamunin kayo ni bituin sa pag-awit nya!)

Aicelle adds: “Nangangarap kami. We hope moviegoers will come and watch this film musical with their family.” (ipatawag na rin ang buong barangay teh!)

Producing a horror film can also be challenging. (lalo na kung puro lang sigaw pero wa naman nakakatakot!) It has to really scare the viewers  (or else comedy na labas nyan!) Two of my favorite Pinoy horror films are the remake of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (remake na naabutan ko!) and Feng Shui 1 (yung 1 lang ha!) Award-winning filmmaker Chito Rono directed both films. (direk pwede po ba ako sa horror?!) That’s why I got excited when I learned that he has another horror film for the MMFF titled Espantaho starring Judy Ann Santos, Janice De Belen, Chanda Romero and Lorna Tolentino. (walang Senator Lapid ha!)

“Sina Atty Joji Alonso, our producer, Chris Martinez, our writer and of course Direk Chito Roño ay ang pinaka-anchor ng pelikulang ito. Kami mga artista, kami lang yung pagsasabuhay ng karakter na binuo nila. Kaya we are very lucky na nagkasama sama kami sa isang napakagandang pelikula. It does not always happen. Itong ensemble na ito, ilalaban ko it," Juday says.  (ang batang may laban! Go!)

“Before terror si Direk Chito, may nerbiyos ka. May terror exercise. Pero ngayon, kalmado na. Siguro di na sya pwede masyado nagagalit, kaya nagtitimpi na sya. Mas mahaba na ang pasensya sa mga panahon ngayon. Pero nandun parin yung passion, yung fire, yung hunger for doing a great film," Ms LT shares. (ayaw nung scarecrow aka espantaho!)

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