Ivana Alawi (left) and Vice Ganda in “Partners in Crime”
(We are running this guide to help you plan your holiday movie-viewing activity. The 48th Metro Manila Film Festival, or MMFF, runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2023)
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina; written by Enrico Santos; stars Vice Ganda, Ivana Alawi, Enchong Dee, Rez Cortez, Candy Pangilinan, Cai Cortez, and Al Tantay; produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films
The film is about the misadventures of an ex-couple who crosses paths again before figuring in a crime. It shows how they manage to overcome this particular hurdle as they try to sort out an unsettled issue between them.
“I’m excited to resume making movies. Before, my assignment was to make Filipinos laugh during the Christmas season. Today, it’s to encourage them to return to watching in cinemas. People are asking for me, according to the mall owners. They look forward to seeing me on the big screen again,” said Vice.
“I prefer doing a festival film because I am witness to the good partnership among Star Cinema, the mall owners and the organizers of the MMFF. As for the audience, you can expect that this movie will be worth your time and money. We promise that this is something you can enjoy with your family,” the comedian added.
Vice said he personally picked Alawi to be his partner. The young actress, meanwhile, admitted to feeling thrilled about it. “Christmas Day is also my birthday. I really go out with my family on that day to watch Ate Vice’s movies. His films make us happy and help us forget our problems. I just can’t believe that I’m now part of one.”
Molina, on the other hand, said she initially felt worried about having difficulty directing Vice. “I know Vice is a very funny person. I’ve seen him at work. Ivana is a nice girl. I’m sure we will be able to build a family on the set. What I’m scared of is not being able to direct Vice because I was already laughing so hard during his look-test session. All I needed to do was listen to him talk and I would start rolling in laughter,” said Molina. —Marinel Cruz