‘Speed dating’ for producers, filmmakers at MFFF

ON July 21, filmmakers and producers will gather again via “speed dating” at the 2012 Manila Film Financing Forum (MFFF) to pitch new projects at this year’s Cinemalaya film fest. Last year’s Best Pitch winners were Sockie Fernandez and Lee Briones.

Twenty feature-length films in various stages of development are welcome to take part in this event sponsored by the Philippine Independent Filmmakers Multi-purpose Cooperative (IFC). Criteria for selection are synopsis, filmmaker’s profile, project feasibility based on budget, financing plan, and timetable. Last year’s participants had these observations:

Emman dela Cruz: The MFFF is a refreshing initiative for independent cinema in which we see the real context, opportunities and challenges in film producing, financing and partnerships.

Learning experience

Gino Santos: The best thing about it was meeting people from the industry and gaining confidence when you pitched your story to the panelists. It was a great learning experience.

Aloy Adlawan: Sa wakas, na-experience ko din ang “speed dating”! It was nice to see old friends in the film community.

Lee Briones: It was enlightening to discuss our projects with passionate people!

Sockie Fernandez: It was my first time to do a verbal pitch for a project, and I learned a lot from that experience. The forum opened doors and allowed me to connect with people who can help me in the future.

Loy Arcenas: Participating in the forum was a great introduction to doing business in Manila’s film world.

Doy del Mundo: It was inspiring to see producers listening to filmmakers’ ideas!

Deadline for entries is on July 2. Call 0916 658-0991 (Doy), 0922 292-2732 (Rica), or e-mail [email protected].