THE METRO MANILA FILMFEST COMMITTEE increased the number of official entries in the coming Metro-Manila Filmfest this December. It used to be eight, now it’s ten, and the lucky ten official entries are:
1. “Firefly” - Drama - from GMA Films. Starring Dingdong Dantes, Max Collins, Epi Quizon, Alessandra de Rossi, Yayo Aguila, Cherry Pie Picache, Miguel Tanfelix, and Ysabel Ortega. Directed by Zig Dulay, who directed the acclaimed hit series, “Maria Clara at Ibarra”.
2. “GomBurZa” - Historical drama about three heroic priests. From Ateneo’s Jesuit Communications. Starring Cedrick Juan as Padre Jose Burgos, Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez and Enchong Dee as Padre Jacinto Zamora. Directed by Pepe Diokno
3. “When I Met You In Tokyo” - Romance-Drama - From JG Productions. Starring the comebacking love team of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, with Cassy Legaspi, Darren Espanto, Lotlot de Leon. Directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penza.
4. “Becky and Badette” - Comedy. From IdeaFirst Company. Starring Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, Agot Isidro, Romnick Sarmenta, Adrian Lindayag, with Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon and Karylle. Directed by Jun Lana.
5. “Mallari” - Horror-Drama, based on a true story. From Mentorque Productions. Starring Piolo Pascual, Gloria Diaz, Mylene Dizon, JC Santos, Janella Salvador and Elisse Joson. Directed by Derrick Cabrido.
6. “Broken Hearts Trip” - Comedy. From BMC and Smart Films. Starring Christian Bables, Jaclyn Jose, Teejay Marquez, Andoy Ranay, Petite, Iyah Mina. Directed by Lem Lorca.
7. “Kampon” - Horror. From Quantum Films. Starring Derek Ramsay, Beauty Gonzales, Zeinab Harake, Nico Antonio, Lui Manansala, Nor Domingo and child star Erin Rose Espiritu. Directed by King Palisoc.
8. “Penduko” - Action-adventure. From Viva Films. Starring Matteo Guidicelli in the title role. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana.
9. “Rewind” - Romance-Drama. From Star Cinema. Starring Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Directed by Mae Cruz and Carmi Raymundo.
10. “A Family Of Two (A Mother And Son Story)” - Drama. From Cineko Productions. Starring Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards, Tonton Gutierrez, Miles Ocampo and Jackielou Blanco. Directed by Nuel Naval, who did the acclaimed “Family Matters” last year that was snobbed by the awards committee but vindicated in other award-giving bodies.
Nora Aunor fans are hoping her entry “Pieta” directed by Adolf Alix will be selected, along with Maricel Soriano fans with her “In His Mother’s Eyes” directed by FM Reyes and Nadine Lustre’s “Nocturno” directed by Mikhail Red whose “Deleter” won awards and was topgrosser last year.
But they were not lucky to be chosen, along with Regal’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme”, and Joel Lamangan’s two films, “Lola Magdalena” and “Ang Ina Mo”.
We have a feeling some of these films will be released in November or December before the filmfest.
