They felt like winners, said the filmmakers behind the five full-length features in the New Wave section of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The entries in this year’s New Wave (independent films) section were Ato Bautista’s “Gemini,” Zig Dulay’s “M (Mother’s Maiden Name),” Arlyn de la Cruz’s “Maratabat,” Diane Ventura’s “Mulat” and Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker).”
They were screened at Glorietta and SM Megamall until yesterday, as preprogramming for the main section of the festival, which showcases mainly movies with strong box-office appeal. MMFF awards night is at the Philippine International Convention Center tomorrow.
PHOTO FROM MMFF NEW WAVE FACEBOOK PAGE
In the past, only the New Wave best picture was guaranteed a regular playdate, said Dulay. This year, as an innovation and incentive, all five will have week-long runs in 20 theaters next year, Bautista related.
Dulay has participated in the section for the past three years—as scriptwriter of “Ad Ignorantiam” in 2012 and assistant director of “Dukit” in 2013. Both were directed by his mentor, Armando Lao.
“It’s heartening to see how the section has grown,” Dulay told the Inquirer. “The developments are tangible, concrete.”
Laxamana pointed out, “It’s very difficult for an indie movie to secure a playdate in commercial theaters. The support we are getting from the MMFF is a big boost and will hopefully make things easier for us.”
He acknowledged MMFF as a good marketing move for indie films. Several indie directors have crossed over to compete in the main section, he said, citing Jerrold Tarog, Lawrence Fajardo, Marlon Rivera, Chris Martinez and Perci Intalan.
Hopefully, the labels will soon disappear, Laxamana said, “and indie films will be shown alongside mainstream entries (like Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s ‘Thy Womb’ in 2012).”
Dulay said: “Being part of the New Wave section means our films get to reach more people, which is the purpose of filmmakers. We want to share our stories with as big an audience as possible.”
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