THE SUMMER METRO-MANILA FILMFEST will be held this April.
It will start on Black Saturday, April 8, and will be showing until April 18, under the auspices of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Film Festival Chairman lawyer Don Artes and Movie Worker’s Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) Chair Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo.
There are eight official entries:
1. ‘About Us But Not About Us’ - Produced by IdeaFirst Company and Quantum Films, written and directed by Jun Lana, starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas. This is an LGBT story and the first entry to be promoted with a press con and press preview.
2. “Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko” - Produced by Viva Films, a romance-drama written and directed by Bela Padilla who also stars in the lead role. With Lorna Tolentino as her mother who worked in Korea, with Korean actor Yoo Min Gon as leading man This is the second entry to conduct a presscon.
3. “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko” - Produced by Saranggola Productions, written and directed by Joven Tan, starring RK Bagatsing and Meg Imperial. This is a musical based on the songs of singer-songwriter Rey Valera. This is the third entry to hold a presscon with press preview of the movie.
As of this writing, the other entries have yet to officially promote their movies.
4. “Apag (Feast)” - This is produced by Centerstage Productions, written by Arianna Martinez and directed by Brillante Mendoza using Kapampangan in its dialogue. A crime story and family drama starring Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, Coco Martin,Gina Pareno, Gladys Reyes, Shaina Magdayao, Mercedes Cabral, Vince Rillon, Joseph Marco, Julio Diaz and Ronwaldo Martin.
5. “Here Comes the Groom” - Produced by Quantum Films, Bright Light & Cineko Productiions, written and directed by Chris Martinez whose “Here Comes the Bride” was a blockbuster hit in 2010. This is a comedy about body switches starring Eugene Domingo, Enchong Dee, Keempee de Leon, Nico Antonio, Tony Labrusca, Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, Kim Atienza, Awra Briguela, Fino Herrera, Iya Mina, Silohuette and Kaladkaren.
6. “Unravel: A Swiss Side Story” - Produced by Mavx Productions, directed by RC de los Reyes. Filmed in Switzerland, it is, as the title indicates, a story about suicide starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla.
7. “Single Bells” - Produced by Tincan Productions and directed by Fifth Solomon. It’s a romantic comedy starring Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto and Aljur Abrenica.
8. “ Love You Long Time” - Produced by Studio 360 and directed by JP Habac. This is a love story starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano.
There will be a parade of stars to be held on April 2, along Commonwealth Avenue. The filmfest awards night will be held on April 11 at the New Frontier Theatre.
Start your summer right! Let’s all go and watch the eight entertaining entries in the Summer Metro Manila Filmfest to support the local film industry!
