QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --Filipino films in the first-ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival held in April, will take center stage in Hollywood with its overseas edition Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) slated to open for moviegoers on November 2.
Set to light up the screen at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, USA are the three entries from the MMFF summer edition. These 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
The red-carpet premiere will feature a VIP reception, meet-and-greet with filmmakers and stars of the three titles, and a question-and-answer segment about the MIFF. The event will start at 12nn, Los Angeles time.
For MMDA Acting Chairman and concurrent MMFF Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the MIFF is a testament to the world class quality of Filipino films.
“Through the MIFF, we can showcase, promote, and help uplift Filipino films from the Philippines to Hollywood, and hopefully, to other parts of the world,” he said. “MIFF also aims to bridge the gap between two worlds and connect the Philippine entertainment sector to Hollywood and the global stage.”
He also invites the global audience to watch the MIFF premiere.
“We are inviting our kababayans and other film enthusiasts to watch these three award-winning movies. Each of these films have a unique charm of their own which will surely hook you up from start to finish,” Artes said with pride.
Tickets will range from $60 (single movie pass) to $249 (all movie access + VIP lounge) which can be purchased at manilainternationalfilmfest.com.
Expected to grace the event are award-winning Filipino actresses Hilda Koronel and Pinky De Leon.
Cast from the movies to be screened will likewise attend the premiere, including actors Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren from Here Comes the Groom, Director Jun Lana and actor Romnick Sarmenta from About Us But Not About Us, and Director JP Habac and actress Eisel Serrano from Love You Long Time.
Right after the run of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival this Christmas until January 7, 2024 in Philippine cinemas, its ten official entries will likewise make their way to LA.
MIFF screening of the 2023 MMFF entries is scheduled on January 30 until February 2, 2024.
These movies are:
“A Family of 2 (A Mother and Son Story),” starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards, directed by Nuel Naval
“(K)Ampon,” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay, directed by King Palisoc
“Penduko,” starring Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana
“Rewind,” starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar
“Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang, directed by Jun Lana
“Broken Heart’s Trip,” starring Christian Bables and Andoy Ranay, directed by Lemuel Lorca
“Firefly,” starring Alessandra De Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell Aleta, and Dingdong Dantes, directed by Zig Madamba Dulay
“GomBurZa,” starring Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero, Piolo Pascual, and Cedrick Juan, directed by Pepe Diokno
“Mallari,” starring Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador, directed by Derick Cabrido
“When I Met You in Tokyo,” starring Vilma Santos and de Leon, directed by Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon
The MIFF is a prelude to the celebration of the 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2024. (mmda/pia-ncr)
