THE 3RD TOFARM FILMFEST starts showing today and it had a grand launch last Monday at the Monet 1 and 2 Ballroom of Novotel after an initial more intimate presscon at Iago’s last week. This time, all the directors, cast and crew members of the six entries were invited by Dr. Milagros How of International Harvester Inc. as producer of the annual festival that highlights agriculture.
The special guest was Liza DIno Seguerra, FDCP chair who delivered the welcome remarks. Then festival director Bibeth Orteza called on all the directors and cast members of each entry on stage. Dr. Milagros How then formally declared the festival open with much funfare, complete with explosions and confetti on stage. It was a very festive affair indeed. The works!
The members of the screening committe (headed by Raquel VIllavicencio), the judges for the full length films (led by Manet Dayrit) and the judges for the short films (led by Raymond Red) were presented and given plaques of appreciation. All the guests were first treated to a merienda of fruits and clubhouse sandwich. Then, after official ceremony on stage and before the start of the special screening of “Magnifico” as tribute to the late festival director Maryo J. de los Reyes, the guests were then treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner.
All the entries in ToFarm Filmfest look very promising: “1957” with Ronwaldo Martin and Richard Quan, “Alimuom” with Ina Feleo and Eppy Quizon, “Mga Anak ng Kamote” with Katrina Halili and Alex Medina, “Sol Searching” with Pokwang and Joey Marquez, “Tanabata’s Wife” with Japanese actor Miyuki Kamimura and “Kauyagan (Way of Life)”, the Visayan entry with Bayang Barrios. They’ll be shown in SM Megamall, SM Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Trinoma, Greenbelt 1, Gaisano Davao, and Robinsons Legaspi and Naga from September 19 to 18, with awards night on September 15 at Makati Shangrila.
