MMDA Chairman Tolentino during his opening speech at the press launch of MMFF New Wave |
The Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) formally revealed the MMFF’s new wave finalists for this year’s
competition.
In celebration of New Wave’s 5th
annieversary, the MMFF New Wave hosted a dinner officially presented this year’s
Full Feature, Student Shorts, CinePhone and Animation film rosters of finalists
at Passion Resorts World Manila, November 25.
Alvin Anson, Sheena Mcbride, Brigitte Mcbride and Direk Ato Bautista for the the film Gemini at the press launch of MMFF New Wave |
Ato Bautista, known for his films
Cinco and Exchange, is very enthusiastic about his Full Feature entry, Gemini,
about woman who is being tormented by her demons because of sins she and her
twin commited years ago. “This is a mind-boggling film that will make you
think, so you better be ready,” Bautista added.
Chanel Latore for the film Magkakabaung at the press launch of MMFF New Wave |
On the other hand, Jason Paul
Laxamana, famous for his film Babagwa (The Spider’s Lair), has always been
intrigued by the Philippines’ casket capital, Santo Tomas Pampanga. So enters
the idea for his Full Feature entry, Magkakabaung. In his search for a story,
he discovered the life of Randy Alcantara, a poor coffin maker.
The
panelists for this year’s MMFF New Wave competition were also amazed by the entries
of the first-time directors Arlyn dela Cruz, Zig Dulay and Diane Ventura.
Maratabat
is Arlyn dela Cruz’s entry which was inspired by her journey as a journalist.
It depicts warring clans and the quest for justice.
Zig
Dulay’s M is a familiar but unusual story about the getting to know
relationship of a mother and son. And lastly, Diane Ventura’s Mulat shares the
story of Sam, a girl who dreams of finding her true love as she struggles to
live a normal life despite her schizophrenic tendencies.
According
to Chairman Francis N. Tolemtino, MMDA and MMFF’s Overall Chairman, New Wave
has come a long way.
“I
am in awe and so proud that in just five years, the New Wave Section has not
only made a name for itself in its own right in the independent film scene, but
more importantly, it has become an actively sought-out avenue for filmmakers to
showcase their works. It has expanded to accommodate our young students and animators who are eager to
share their stories and find their own voice through the art of films. Even
Cinephone, a cellphone movie making contest for high school and college
students nationwide, has given creative beginners a chance to shoot their films
with a camera phone,” he said during his opening remarks.
“It
takes passion, courage and whole lot of guts to pursue independent filmmaking.
It is risky, full of challenges and sometimes disappointment. But as great as
those challenges are, the rewards and recognition are far greater. The New Wave
Section has been more thatn fortunate to share its cause with all of you, and
for that, we are thankful,” Tolentino added.
Please check this link for the complete poster, synopsis, teaser and trailer of the entries in the New Wave Section of Metro Manila Film Festival 2014.
MMFF 2014 NEW WAVE SECTION will be shown from Dec 17-24 2014 in Glorietta 4 and SM Mega Mall cinemas!
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