"Aside from the Best Regional Films, meron din po tayong thematic section na cinema, memory, history. Ito naman po ay various filmmakers po na ganun naman po ang tema niya. Sana po, matunghayan ninyo, libre po ito sa public," Ibañez said.
MFF Festival Director Ferdie Balanag said the MFF has become a movement of sorts and this year, they're converging with other regional film festivals and directors through the event.
"We intend to align our objectives, understand each other’s unique objectives also and probably come up with a calendar where we can co-support each other's festival," he said.
Balanag explained that they will forgo the competition this year to allow finalists more time to produce their film and come up with better quality outputs which will be featured in the competition next year. From the 87 entries received, 24 will be selected as finalists, eight for each of the three categories namely mobile films, documentary films, and narratives.
The CinemaRehiyon15@MFF2023 will open on March 25 thru a program at SM, Cinema Rehiyon 15 Online Screenings on March 26, Montañosa Filmmakers' Homecoming and Film Forum on March 27, and the MFF Campus Caravan/CCP Lakbay Sine on March 27-31.
Other activities are CPP Cinema Under the Stars on March 29-31, Montañosa Film Festival Outdoor Screenings at the Malcolm Square on March 29-31, CinemaRehiyon15@MFF2023 DIVERGENCE + CONVERGENCE on March 30, among others.
Closing program is slated on April 1 where the finalists of the three categories will be announced.
The MFF's beneficiary this year is the Blessed Association of Retired Persons Foundation for the rehabilitation of its social hall.
Department of Tourism - Cordillera Regional Director Jovy Ganongan expressed support to the collaboration of the MFF and the NCCA. She asked the public to continue supporting the filmmakers stating that "they are the ones that really portray the Filipino way of life, the culture, the values, traditions and everything that we are proud about and actually, that is what we also showcase in tourism."
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a video message, lauded the MFF for doing their best to showcase the talent of Filipinos particularly in filmmaking.
"In behalf of our city and in the name of our people, I invite everyone to support yet another exceptional showcase of Filipino films that exemplifies cinematic excellence worthy of adulation. Without doubt, I cannot but express admiration in narrating the Filipino experiences common to many and varied affecting ways," Magalong said.
The mayor earlier issued Executive Order No. 24 series of 2023 declaring the whole month of March as Montañosa Film Festival 2023 in the city of Baguio. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR) (Photos: MFF)
