The stars and filmmakers are flying from the Philippines to attend the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles from January 29 to February 2.
In a partial list of confirmed talents coming from Manila, Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes and Christopher de Leon lead the talents who will grace the screenings and Q&As of the 10 films, a star-studded closing night awards gala and other exciting events in the five-day film festival.
The 10 films in the very successful 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, which has earned an estimated P1.069 billion (estimated $19.11 million), making it the biggest-grossing edition in the festival’s half-a-century history, will make their American premiere at MIFF.
The following stars and filmmakers will represent their movies at MIFF (note this is only a partial list – more stars may be confirmed) and will either introduce their films before the screenings or participate in Q&As after the screenings at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood:
“Becky & Badette” – Eugene Domingo, lead actress, and Perci Intalan, executive producer. Eugene and Perci will introduce “Becky & Badette” before the 8:55 pm screening on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
“Broken Heart’s Trip” – Christian Bables, lead actor; Andoy Ranay, supporting actor; Benjie Cabrera and Omar Tolentino, executive producers. Christian, Andoy, Benjie and Omar will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
“Family of Two” – pending confirmation
“Firefly” – Ysabel Ortega, supporting actress; Dingdong Dantes, actor (special participation); and Anj Atienza, writer. Ysabel will participate in a Q&A after the 5:55 pm screening on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
“GomBurZa” – Enchong Dee and Cedric Juan, lead actors; Piolo Pascual, supporting actor; and Pepe Diokno, director. Enchong, Cedric, Piolo and Pepe will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Thursday, Feb. 1.
“(K)Ampon” – Beauty Gonzalez, lead actress, and Joji Alonso, producer. Beauty and Joji will introduce “(K)Ampon” before the 8:55 pm screening on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
“Mallari” – Piolo Pascual, lead actor; Janella Salvador, lead actress; Derick Cabrido, director; and Brian Dy, producer. Piolo, Janella and Derick will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Monday, Jan. 29.
“Penduko” – John Arcilla, supporting actor. John will introduce “Penduko” before the 8:50 pm screening on Thursday, Feb. 1.
“Rewind” – Dingdong Dantes, lead actor. Dingdong will introduce “Rewind” before the 8:35 pm screening on Monday, Jan. 29.
“When I Met You in Tokyo” – Christopher de Leon, lead actor, and Karishma Gidwani, executive producer. Christopher and Karishma will participate in a Q&A after the 7:25 pm screening on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
The 10 films will have two other screenings (including simultaneous screenings on Feb. 2 at both the TCL Chinese Theatres and DGA) during the festival but the screenings above are where the stars and filmmakers will be in person. The complete screening schedule and ticket information are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-manila-international-film-festival-tickets-771883764117.
The public can also buy limited tickets to the glittering closing night awards gala and see the stars, filmmakers and celebrities in person on Friday, Feb. 2, at 6:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America on famed Sunset Boulevard. The star-studded gala features a red carpet, cocktails, an awards show and a dinner/after-party.
Limited tickets to the gala are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-miff-awards-gala-tickets-791645993477?aff=erelpanelorg.
Nine MIFF awards, including Best Picture, voted by an independent jury of respected professionals in film, will be announced. As previously announced, acclaimed veteran actress Hilda Koronel will receive the inaugural Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late outstanding community leader, public servant and Olympian.
An audience award, voted by MIFF moviegoers at the screenings, will be given to a movie that gets the highest score.
The MMFF team will be represented by Romando “Don” Artes, chairman; Tim Orbos, executive committee member and former transportation undersecretary; Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona, executive director; Irene Jose, executive committee member and COO of The Araneta Group’s entertainment unit; Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and team member; and Noel Ferrer, spokesperson.
Also scheduled to attend the MIFF are the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Tirso Cruz III and Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and consultant, respectively. Other events promoting collaboration and cooperation between the Philippines’ filmmakers and Hollywood and beyond are also scheduled by MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema.
The TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028. The DGA is located at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046.
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]).
