Announcing The Official Entries In The Metro-Manila Filmfest New Wave And Mainstream Categories

BEFORE THE Metro Manila Filmfest of mainstream movies that opens on December 25, the New Wave Category of the festival will be shown first and this is where you can watch local films that are of true festival quality but with lesser known stars. Three of the entries have already been graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board: “Tandem”, “Toto” and “Ari (My Life with a King”.)

Here’s more information about the five entries. “Tandem” is the last complete movie of JM de Guzman before he went backsliding to his old vices. He co-stars with Nico Antonio in a movie about those ‘riding in tandem’ guys. This is written and directed by new filmmaker King Palisoc.

“Toto” - A comedy-drama about a young man named, Toto (Sid Lucero), who’ll do anything to get a U.S. visa so he can work abroad for a better life. Also starring Bibeth Orteza, Bembol Roco, Liza Dino, Mara Lopez, Thou Reyes, Che Ramos and Rafa Siguion Reyna. Written and directed by another new filmmaker, John Paul Su.

“Ari, My Life with a King” - The directorial debut of writer-director Carlo Enciso Catu, this is produced by Holy Angel University in Angeles and filmed in Kapampangan. It stars Ronwaldo Martin (younger brother of Coco) and unknown Pampango stars. The film aims to preserve and promote local culture and regional languages told through the story of a writer-composer, Kong Dado (Francisco Guinto) who aims to propagate Kapampangan.

“Mandirigma” - The second movie of broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz, whose debut film, “Maratabat” was also an entry in the New Wave category last year. A tribute to our soldiers, specifically the Philippine Marines, inspired by the Mamasapano Massacre. This stars Luis Alandy, Alwyn Uytingco, Victor Basa, Ping Medina and Mon Confiado.

“Turo-Turo” - Written and directed by actor Ray An Dulay, this stars real life brothers AJ and Enchong Dee, Mosang, Janna Dominguez, Rey Pumaloy and child actor Albert Silos.

The Best Picture winner will receive P 300,000. MMFF New Wave 2015 will run from December 17 to 24 at SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, and Robinsons Place Manila. The MMFF Awards Night will be held on December 27, 2015.

As for the mainstream entries, there are three horror entries: “Haunted Mansion” from Regal starring Janella Salvador, Iza Calzado, Janice de Belen, Marlo Mortel and Jerome Ponce, directed by Jun Lana. “Buy Now Die Later” from Quantum Films with Vhong Navarro, Rayver Cruz, Alex Gonzaga, John Lapus, TJ Trinidad, Lotlot de Leon and Janine Gutierrez, directed by Randolph Longjas.

“Nilalang” from Viva and Haunted Tower Pictures starring Cesar Montano, Meg Imperial, Aubrey Miles, Kiko Matos, Yam Concepcion, Cholo Barretto and Japanese sexy star Maria Ozawa, directed by Pedring Lopez.

There are four romantic comedies: “My Bebe Love” with Vic Sotto, Ai Ai de las Alas, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, directed by Joey Reyes. “All You Need is Pag-ibig” with Kris Aquino, Derek Ramsay, Jodi Sta. Maria, Ian Veneracion, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, directed by Antoinette Jadaone. “Walang Forever” starring Jericho Rosales, Jennylyn Mercado, Lorna Tolentino and Nico Antonio, directed by Dan Villegas. “Beauty and the Bestie” with Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, directed by Wenn Deramas.

There’s only one serious drama, “Honor They Father”, starring John Lloyd Cruz, Meryll Soriano and Tirso Cruz III. This early, it is predicted to win many of the trophies come filmfest awards night.