Director Erik Matti shares his thoughts about the his latest film “Honor Thy Father” at the opening night of Cinema One Originals 2015. ARVIN GAYE MENDOZA/INQUIRER.net
“Let us demand for better films… Thank you MMFF for the free publicity,” controversial director Erik Matti on Sunday said in a message that he sent to the organizers of the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival wherein his film “Honor Thy Father” is an official entry.
Matti, who won the best director award, is a no-show. Instead, he made a female member of his crew read his speech. To the audience he said, “You deserve better… Di ako titigil kung ‘di kayo titigil (I won’t stop if you won’t stop).”
Matti’s movie, starring John Lloyd Cruz, was disqualified from competing in the best picture category because of a violation of the MMFF rules and regulation, according to Metro Manila Development Authority chair Emerson Carlos.
The MMDA is the host of the annual film event. In an interview prior to the awards ceremony at the newly built Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, Carlos said “the Executive Committee decided to disqualify the movie from the best picture category for failure to disclose some material facts.”
He added: “We’re just upholding the rule of law so that every film entry gets a fair treatment. (The producers) informed us of the screening on Nov. 4 or 5 but the material fact that was considered was the time they asked to come in as an official entry on Oct. 22 or 23. With that, they submitted certifications, stating among other things that they have not or will not participate in any festival other than the MMFF.”
“Honor Thy Father” was the opening film in the 2015 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival in November.
Dan Villegas’ “#WalangForever” was heralded best picture while Randolph Longjas’ “Buy Now Pay Later” is second best picture. Jose Javier Reyes’ “My Bebelove: #KiligPaMore” is third best picture and winner of the Gatpuno J. Villegas Cultural Award.
“#WalangForever” lead stars Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado won best actor and best actress awards, respectively.
Tirso Cruz III won the best supporting actor award for his commendable performance in “Honor Thy Father.” Maine Mendoza of “My Bebelove: #KiligPaMore” is best supporting actress winner.
For Pedring Lopez’s “Nilalang,” Ditoy Aguila brought home the best sound trophy while Jessie Lasaten got the best musical score honor.
The film starring Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa also won the best visual effects, best editing and best cinematographer honors.
Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone bagged the best story for “#WalangForever,” while Paul Sta. Ana copped the best screenplay for the same project.
The film, featuring Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado, also won the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award For Excellence and a P400,000 cash prize.
“Tao” performed by Armi Millare for “Honor Thy Father” won best original theme song. The same film won for best makeup
In the New Wave category, “Ari My Life With a King” by Carlo Enciso Catu brought home the best picture award.
John Paul Su was heralded New Wave best director for his work on “Toto.” The movie, starring Sid Lucero, also bagged the Special Jury Prize for the New Wave category.
Bibeth Orteza bagged the best supporting actress trophy for her performance in “Toto,” while Thou Reyes won best supporting actor for the same film.
JM de Guzman (“Tandem”) shared with Francisco Quinto of “Ari My Life With a King” the best actor trophy. De Guzman failed to make it to the show. TVJ
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