Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna- Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto graced the red-carpet premiere of The Manila Film Festival (TMFF) held at the Metropolitan Theater on Tuesday, June 4.
They are now inviting the public to watch the cinema screening of the featured short films in the festival.
In her speech, the mayor cited the event as a "realization of the creative and artistic minds of our young students who I know, will be the future of the Philippine cinema."
She said only eight from the 100 entries submitted by student filmmakers nationwide were selected to receive sufficient support from the city government.
"They have undergone a series of workshops to guarantee that these young filmmakers' creative juices will come out and give us the best films they can produce," the mayor said.
She said that the TMFF highlights the students’ perception of Manila’s culture, places and people.
"The short films chosen characterize Manila as the city of infinite possibilities and a thousand tales. Aside from our natural charm as a place rich in history, we are also the melting pot of Philippine Arts and Culture making us the rightful venue of a festival representing the aspirations and dreams of our Filipinos," she also said.
Lacuna-Pangan also said that the official entries artistically represent the multitude of life experiences of Manileños and how the city left an indelible mark on them.
"The films also display the students' craftsmanship and the capability to inject relevant issues of society that would simulate one's social consciousness," she added.
TMFF 2024, according to the mayor, will be one of the city government's initiative to achieve its goal of a “Magnificent Manila” that each Manileño deserves.
"We will utilize this festival as our potent tool to show the world our uniqueness, creativity, and resilience. That despite of the modern-day challenges of an urban milieu, we will continue to live as the country's creative hub as we make waves toward progress and development," Lacuna said.
Meanwhile, Nieto congratulated the eight TMFF finalists for their hard work and dedication to produce excellent films.
"Bilang kapitolyo ng bansa, atin pong sinisikap ma panatilihing buhay at patuloy a pagyamanin ang kasaysayan, sining, kultura at tradison sa ating minamahal na lungsod. Alinsunod dito, sinisikap nating ibalik ang mga programa at provektong naglalayong pausbungin ang talento ng ating mga Kabataan (As the capital city in the country, let us continue to enrich the history, arts, culture and tradition of our beloved city. Hence, we're persevering to revive this project that aims to mold the talent of the youth)", Nieto said
He also recalled that the Manila Film Festival was started by then Mayor Antonio Villegas in the 1960s and was discontinued.
It was revived by the late Mayor Alfredo S. Lim in 1994 and was graced by big personalities in the film industry.
DTCAM Director Charlie Dungo said the chosen films will be shown at the Robinson's Manila Movieworld and the Robinson's Magnolia Movieworld from June 8 to June 11, while TMFF Awards Night will be held on June 11 at the Bulwagang Villegas of the Manila City Hall.
“These motion pictures likewise possess the entertainment value that we also seek as we excitingly watch each and every scene. These stories of laughter, struggles, triumphs, love, and even grief will pierce our hearts and emotions. So let us all sit back, relax, and be hooked on these films. Our 453rd Araw Ng Maynila celebrations will never be complete without these cultural treats for our Manileños in particular, and Filipinos in general," the mayor added.