The MMFF50 journey showcases the power of unity, transparency and passion in pushing Philippine cinema forward despite many challenges.
We truly give the world our best!
For the past week that we have been in Hollywood with the producers and actors of the Metro Manila Film Festival 50th edition, we have some stark realizations on how we can all help in pushing our films forward, despite all the challenges posed to our industry post pandemic.
On the onset, we would like to thank the Metro Manila Development Authority and the MMFF50 under the leadership of visionary Chairman Don Artes for herding us all in Los Angeles, even of he wasn’t acknowledged at all (at the Gala) by the organizers of the Manila International Film Festival.
Recapping our days here in Hollywood, we learned the following:
1) There really should be government support for all our united programs for the film community. On this note, the First Lady Liza Araneta -Marcos and her arts and media/entertainment group should for lauded for this major push. By now, it must also be clear that the producers, the artists and the film workers are one solid force; and it is this group, along with the MMDA, MMFF, Movie Television Review and Classification Board, Film Academy of the Philippines (the guilds) & the Film Development Council pf the Philippines (especially their education apostolate) that have the credibility in mapping out beneficial and realistic programs for the film industry.
Constant consultation and urgent action programs should be underway, like the move towards making watching movies in the theater more accessible to the general public ought to be top priority.
2)Kudos to the efficient team of the MMDA/MMFF for taking care of the very challenging logistics in mounting a show in America where permits, insurance, labor and security issues are major hurdles.
To Atty. Don Artes, Atty Rochelle Ona, Gerrome Esguerra, Dom Sauro, Rio Manotoc and the whole production team, thank you for keeping such an ASAP-level and gold standard in mounting events.
3) Engage as many Filipinos as possible. Two hours after our social media announcement in connection with the Konsyerto para sa Filipino, all tickets were wiped out! That means, the audiences are just waiting for our worthy initiatives. We want to thank all who helped, including the Consulate, the Pilipino Workers Center, our partners in The Filipino Channel and Pinoy TV and pockets of Pinoy organizations! This is such a modern-day bayanihan.
4) Transparency is key. And in any organization, communication is important. Personal egos and self promotion are set aside. The end goal is not even profit. Not being at the good graces of the powers that be, but really, serving the common good.
5) Lastly, consider everyone (artists and co-workers) as partners, friends in our film-media advocacy. Never look at them as commodities. It is the shared goodwill (and of course , the excellent talent ) that carried us through.
Really, until now, people cannot help but talk about how magical the “Konsyerto para sa Filipino” was last Saturday at the Cerritos Center for Performing Arts. It was the fitting finale to the MMFF50 sa Los Angeles where everyone bonded with our kababayans, especially because it was free and was made more accessible to everyone.
We Filipinos need to unite and help each other towards uplifting the state of Philippine cinema.
May we continue to move forward, and reach greater heights – as we continue to give our best to each other, and to the world.
