“In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother)” - written and directed by Will Fredo. It's a about the passion of a young woman trapped between her craft as a Flamenco-Filipiniana dance protégé and her love for a man. It stars Liza Dino, Biboy Ramirez, Al Gatmaitan, Jam Pérez, Maradee De Guzman, Bong Cabrera, Leo Rialp, Joan Palisoc, introducing Ms. Tami Monsod and one of Spain’s top flamenco masters, Ms. Clara Ramona (who did the choreography), produced by Hubo Productions, in association with Trinity Hearts Media and with the support of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines.
“Gayak” - directed by TV-film-theater-advertising actor and director Ronaldo Bertubin, from Pro.pro Artist and Advertising. A touching drama, starring Allan Paule as the understanding dad of Sef Cadayona, a young gay designer, co-starring Evelyn Vargas and Richard Arma.
“Paglaya sa Tanikala” - stars Matteo Guidicelli as Bro. Jerry and St. Jerome, patron saint of the orphans and the abandoned. Produced by Kuwentista Productions and Somascan Fathers Foundation, the film is written and directed by Michael Angelo Dagnalan whose “Layang Bilanggo” won as best picture in Cinema One 2010. Also stars Kristoffer King, Jaime Fabregas, Sue Prado, Leon Miguel, Raul Morit, Gary Lim, Kristoffer King, Lui Villaruz and Marife Necessito.
“The Grave Bandits” - First full length film of Filipino-American writer-director-producer Tyrone Acierto from Chicago, it's a coming-of-age adventure film with a twist of horror and dark comedy about an alien virus unleashed in a Philippine Island turning people into zombies, with an American director of photography Marcin Szocinski. Stars new indie actor Ronald Pacifico, Jill Palencia, child actor Marti Sandino San Juan, and print-TV commercial model Milliard Keung.
“Ad Ignorantiam” – Based on a reasoning fallacy that a proposition is true since it has not been proven false, this is based on the true story of a bank messenger accused of snatching the gold necklace of a university professor. A critical look at the Philippine justice system, it’s produced by Att. Joji Alonso of Quantum Films (“Posas”), written by Zig Dulay and directed by Armando “Bing” Lao. It stars Kristoffer King, Ina Feleo, Mercedes Cabral, Alan Paule, Raquel Villavicencio, Laurice Guillen, Archie Adamos and Kimmy Maclang.
The MMFF New Wave section is on its third year of giving recognition to independent films, according to Tolentino. It was in 2010 that the category was born to serve as a platform for independent film producers to participate and showcase their talents. The five New Wave entries will be shown from Dec. 18 to 22 at Glorietta Cinemas in Makati City. The Best Picture winner will have a commercial screening in theaters next year. The screening will also include the 10 Student Short Film entries.
Meanwhile, the MMFF, slated on Dec. 25 till first week of January, 2013, set the annual MMFF Parade on Dec. 23, and the Gabi ng Parangal or MMFF Awards Night on Dec. 27 at the Meralco Theater.
The filmfest will also give a posthumous award to Comedy King Dolphy and possibly institutionalize the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award.
The MMFF mainstream entries are Lawrence Fajardo’s “The Strangers,” Mark Meily’s “El Presidente,” Wenn Deramas’ “Sisteraka,” Ruel S. Bayani’s “One More Try,” Tony Y. Reyes’ “Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote, and Me;” Andoy Ranay’s “Sosy Problems,” Chito S. Roño’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll 14” and Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb,” following the pull out of Lola Basyang.
Up for grabs during the MMFF Awards Night is the Best Picture category where the winner will romp away with Php300,000, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress winners will be awarded Php50,000 each.
