THE inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) unveiled its official poster honoring Hilda Koronel, the festival’s Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Awardee (named after the late outstanding Filipino American leader), and representing the best of Philippine cinema.
The poster image is made up of hundreds of stills from Koronel’s movies with Lino Brocka, including “Insiang” and “Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” which are considered among the most important works in Philippine cinema. A closer look at the poster, designed by Elton Lugay and Adam Lang, will reveal that Brocka is beside Koronel, a detail that symbolizes the Philippines’ excellent filmmakers and talents.
MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema, has invited the filmmakers and stars behind the 10 Metro Manila Film Festival entries which make their American premiere in the LA festival to be held from January 29 to February 2. The talents from the Philippines are invited to attend MIFF events, including Q&As and personal appearances at select screenings, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard.
The 10 films debuting in America at MIFF, including the biggest winners and most nominated in the MMFF awards ceremonies held in Quezon City last December 27, are: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel C. Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon).
Screenings and events will be held mainly at the TCL Chinese Theatres. TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of the Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028.
On the MIFF’s closing day on February 2, the screenings will both be at the TCL Chinese Theatres and the DGA, located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046. A closing night awards gala, where Koronel will receive the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award and to be graced by stars and filmmakers, is scheduled.
Tickets, including bundles that offer free tix, are now available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-manila-international-film-festival-tickets-771883764117.
The MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz (chairman), Ebradu Udarbe (president), Lisa Lew (executive producer), Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants, and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer; Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer.
For MIFF sponsorship inquiries, contact Erickson Ilog ([email protected]) and Ron Ramores ([email protected]). n
