Producers send wake-up call to MMFF’s movers and shakers

MONTEVERDE. Producers should be given incentives.

Late last month, we got a call from “Honor Thy Father” director Erik Matti, asking us to attend a meeting with producers who have compiled recommendations needed to reform the “controversial” Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The goal is to  create a level playing field for the entries. One proposal is for the entries to have an equal number of movie theaters.

When talk about the beneficiaries of the MMFF came up, we learned that Congress is deliberating on giving  funds to the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FCDP).

Mother Lily Monteverde says, “I suggest that they give incentives to producers.”

Roselle Monteverde also has a reminder: “Take note, when we apply for grading with the Cinema Evaluation Board during the MMFF, a film that is graded A or B does not get a tax exemption.”

“If you really want to help producers, include more films,” adds Tony Gloria. Another suggestion is for the opening play date of movies to change from Wednesday to Thursday.

All were one in saying that, if a producer is proven to have a conflict of interest,  he should be suspended the following festival year.