Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave 2014 Official Entries

Now on its 5th year, internationally recognized Filipino films have been chosen for the Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave. New Wave finalists were adjudged as the most promising and thought-provoking creations produced by independent filmmakers, aspiring student-filmmakers, and animators in the country. The MMFF showcases bigger, better and bolder film creations from emerging filmmakers through its New Wave. Here are the 5 full-length feature in New Wave Section:

Julia, a psychiatric patient is tormented by her demons. Stricken by guilt and fear, she seeks the help of Manuel, a mysterious police detective, to save her from Judith, her estranged evil twin sister who wants her dead. As Julia and Manuel track Judith down and solve the crime that the twins committed years back, the film spirals down to a mind boggling ride as the truth of Julia’s nightmarish dark past unravels.

Starring: Sheena Mcbride, Brigitte McBride, Mon Confiado, Lance Raymundo, Alvin Anson, and Sarah Gaugler.

Directed By: Ato Bautista

A single father who works in a casket factory accidentally kills his eight-year-old daughter through wrong medication. As he is haunted by a mixture of guilt and remorse over his daughter's untimely death, he finds it challenging not only to have his daughter's body discharged and buried but also to erase his culpability. 

Starring: Allen Dizon, Gladys Reyes, Emilio Garcia, and Felixia Crysten Dizon.

Written and Directed By: Jason Paul Laxamana  

Madam Bella has pancreatic cancer, stage 4 and it's treatable but not curable.’ She asks her son Joven, who is outwardly detached, to be with her throughout the medication. In the midst of chemotherapy sessions, Joven begins to realize his mother’s behavior and disposition. Despite being a stern owner of Monteclaro Law Firm and a strict mother, Bella is a woman of courage, fighting predicaments not just for herself but most especially for her son.

As Joven understands his mother’s personality, he finds his own identity. And as they shape individuality, we get a glimpse of the image of the ailing health care system in and outside the hospital.

Starring: Zsa Zsa Padilla, Niico Antonio, Gloria Sevilla, Sue Prado, Marx Topacio, Dennis Padilla, Micko Laurente, P-Chie Reposo

Written and Directed By: Zig Dulay

When the people of Maratabat finally realize that their time under the corrupt politician clan of the Abubakars has to come to an end, a series of violent acts occur one after another. The people rally behind another clan -- the Mahardikas -- to end the violence and place a new leader in their region. Will the Mahardikas choose a path of cruelty or peace? Will it be for honor or will it be for pride?

Starring: Ping Medina, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King, Richard Quan, Chanel Latorre, Shyr Valdez, Alvin Fortuna, Carlo Cruz, and Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa

Written and Directed By: Arlyn dela Cruz

  How much choice do we have in shaping our destinies? Sam is about to make the big leap and marry her boyfriend when a powerful dream convinces her otherwise. Starting over, she meets Jake and it seems she has finally found her soul mate. But a strange mental affliction threatens to change her life once more and possibly her last chance at happiness for good. This film is about the evolution of love and the understanding of it, as reflected in the dynamics of intimate relationships.

Starring: Jake Cuenca, Loren Burgos, and Ryan Eigenmann.  

Written and Directed By:  Maria Diane Ventura.

As part of the ruby celebration of the MMFF, these films are guaranteed to have a regular run in at least 20 cinemas by 2015.



Here are the entries for Student Short films of New Wave Section:

 
In the midst of modern time, Rosa, a nineteen year old young woman seeks for an escape from her haunting past. Through faith and religion she'll finally find freedom and sanity. As days unfold, she'll find peace in the persona of Celo, a church-oriented-man. Conflicts will arise upon the growth of her affection towards Celo, as Kael, Rosa's cousin, tries to chase her time-after-time.

Will Rosa find her absolute freedom or she'll be stuck together with her fears and witnesses?

No one knows.
SIYANAWA.
 

Directed By: Gio Alpuente of Southern Luzon State University (Main Campus)

Written and Directed by: Immy Rempis of Asia Pacific Film Institute

Bundok Chubibo Trailer


A short film by Karl Glenn Barit of UP Diliman

 Directed By: Michelle Soriano of  De La Salle Lipa

 Bimyana Trailer



Directed By: Kim Zuñiga of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

Kubli Teaser


Written and Directed by: Regine Ynieto of Far Eastern University



 
Here are the entries for Animation Category of New Wave Section:
 

An animated short film created by Jerico Fuentes

Gymsnatch Trailer


An animated short film created by Eric Dequitos

A story of a dog's unconditional love.


An animated short film created by Dustin Uy

Nesto and Verga are very loving and happy couple. Even though they haven’t been blessed with a child, they never failed to cherish each other every day. They depend to each other for every challenges life brings and always see it through. Until one day, Nesto died in a car accident. Verga was crushed. She is struggling to bear the sorrow of his partner’s death. Her smiles faded, and her body started to weaken. Nesto’s death was untimely. Worried about what would happen to his wife, he pleaded to San Pedro to give him time to say goodbye to her. San Pedro knew that Nesto is good man so he gave him limited time to sort things out and in order to make sure he’ll return, he sent his rooster to guard and guide him in the living world. Nesto went to their house and started to catch Verga’s attention.

Written By: Omar Aguilar

Directed By: Mary Ann Espedido

An animated short film created by Eugene S. Ceriola and Kieth Bercero

Best Picture award will be given for each category with a cash prise of P300,000 for full length; 100,000 for animation; and P50,000 for student short category.
A Special Jury Prize will be given in the full length and animation categories with cash prizes of P200,000 and P50 000, respectively.
There will also be awards for Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor in the Full Length category who will each receive P50,000.

The New Wave finalists will be screened as a prelude to the opening of the 40th edition of the MMFF.



 

MMFF 2014 NEW WAVE SECTION will be shown from Dec 17-24 2014 in Glorietta 4 and SM Mega Mall cinemas!