‘Finished film’ now required for the MMFF

MOIRA Lang STHANLEE Mirador

The new executive committee of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has voted to have “finished products” as basis for selection of entries in the annual event.

Scriptwriter-producer Moira Lang, an execom member, told the Inquirer that an “overwhelming majority” of the 14-member body chose “finished products” over the previous basis for selection, which was “screenplays.”

Prior to last Monday’s vote, the execom had a consultative meeting with different producers on the issue. “At least 25 movie producers, from major studios to independent filmmakers, attended the consultation last week,” Lang recalled. “We listened to their opinions, but we still had the final say on the matter.”

Lang acknowledged that both choices—“finished products” and “screenplays”—have “advantages and disadvantages.” Still, she pointed out that the execom was confident that screening “finished products” would help institute various reforms in the MMFF.

Lang explained that choosing from “finished products” “will level the playing field” in the fest.

“In the past, most entries submitted films close to the deadline,” she recounted. “With ‘finished products,’ producers will have more time to publicize their films. Even those who do not have access to ads in TV networks will be able to promote their films well.”

With the new rule, the deadline for submission of entries will be moved to late September. Another change will be in the composition of the selection committee, which has been renamed “competition committee.”

“Members of the committee will all be first-timers,” Lang noted. “No holdovers from previous years. Also, members of the committee will put together the board of jurors.”

The criteria for judging were likewise revised, to reflect the fest’s three-pronged vision statement: to become “a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence, promotes audience development and champions the sustainability of the Philippine movie industry.”

“Commercial viability is no longer the priority,” Lang said. “But we cannot ignore the audience. Commercial films are not necessarily bad movies. A movie becomes a hit precisely because it’s successful in engaging and entertaining an audience.”

Lang clarified that there are basically two kinds of hits: the blockbuster and the sleeper. For the longest time, “the MMFF has neglected the sleeper hit.” The festival should also nurture films that have the potential to become hits through word-of-mouth, Lang said.

Toward this end, another crucial issue is the assurance that all entries will have a minimum guaranteed run in movie houses—ending the “first day-last day” syndrome.

“We are setting a dialogue with theater owners, too,” Lang said.

The festival should cater “not just to a few players, but it should benefit the entire movie industry and serve diverse types of audiences.”

Rep. Alfred Vargas, another execom member, expressed optimism on these reforms. “The meetings have all been positive so far,” he told the Inquirer.