“Saving Sally”

(We are running this guide to help moviegoers plan their holiday cinema tour. The 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3, 2017.)

Directed by Avid Liongoren; stars Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad and Enzo Marcos

Twelve years in the making, “Saving Sally” is a coming-of-age film that combines rom-com and sci-fi influences. Its story, told using live action and stylized 2D animation, revolves around Sally (Ramos)—a gadget inventor who has abusive monsters as parents and a literal dick as a boyfriend. Her best friend, Marty (Marcos), is an aspiring comic book artist who’s secretly in love with her.

“It’s a simple tale, but one that can never be told enough,” Ramos said of the movie, which was inspired by Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman’s 2005 fantasy film, “MirrorMask.” “I’m so happy that, after so many years, we finally have this opportunity to showcase our work.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO