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Cast of 2023 MMFF entry ‘Firefly’ during the Parade of Stars | Image: @ysabelortega IG
Ahead of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 opening day on December 25, one of its film entries, ‘Firefly,’ held a special advance screening with viewers commending what kind of emotional journey the film was.
During the Parade of Stars on Dec. 16, INQUIRER.net talked to some members of the cast to ask what trait made their entry unique from all the other participating films.
According to lead star Alessandra De Rossi, it’s rare to have a film that is innocent and wholesome as told from the point of view of a child, and that is what “Firefly” can offer to the viewers.
“Sa’kin kumbaga inosente so medyo bihira ‘yung films na ganon kasi diba lagi tayo nakafocus sa mature na mga problema and this is through the lens of a child so kailangan niya magstandout sa MMFF.” she said.
The actress also weighed in on the significance of holding a big event like the MMFF, noting that it raises awareness and boosts the film’s chances of gaining recognition.
“Nagcecreate siya ng awareness kasi for example we have 10 films hindi naman alam ng mga tao lahat ang films so ngayon magiging aware sila na ‘Uy, may film pala na ganito’ baka mas maging interested sila kesa sa kung ano lang ‘yung nasa mainstream media na kaya magbayad ng matinding promotion.” reflected De Rossi.
Meanwhile, Ysabel Ortega said that “Firefly” will give the viewers a chance to experience the beauty of the Philippines and the learnings that they will get from the local folktales that their film entry will highlight.
“Siguro what I would say it’s really a family po talaga, for all members of the family kasi ‘yung storya niya is for kids, ‘yung aral na mapupulot nila from the film. The cinematography sobrang ganda na talagang maappreciate mo ‘yung ganda ng Pilipinas, ‘yung folktales natin dito sa Pilipinas, si Magayon and many other stories na mapapawow ka talaga even na adult ka na,” affirmed Ortega.
The Kapuso actress emphasized the significance of MMFF to bring Filipinos back to experience the feel of being in an actual cinema, as it is also a way to uplift the local film industry after the pandemic.
“Alam naman natin every year nilolook forward ng lahat na makanood sa MMFF lalo na ngayon na nagpandemic tayo, nagstruggle ‘yung Philippine cinema. Sobrang laking bagay po ng MMFF na maibalik po ‘yung mga tao sa sinehan kasi for sure ang daming iba nanonood na lang online or sa mga streaming sites, maganda rin na maalala nila na maganda suportahan ang Philippine cinema sa sinehan mismo kasi lalo na for sure lahat naman ng entries ngayon ay made talaga for cinemas.” she said.
On the other hand, Miguel Tanfelix said that their movie entry is suitable for all ages, and watching it and participating in the celebration of MMFF is a testament to the Philippine culture of bonding with families.
“Pwede siya sa lahat ng ages, sa buong pamilya. Makakarelate ‘yung bata, makakarelate ‘yung nanay, tatay. It’s a family movie na may kapupulutan sila ng aral. Syempre kailangan natin panatilihin ‘yung kultura natin, isa ‘to sa mga nakasanayan ng mga Pinoy, every pasko tayong mga buong pamilya nagpupunta sa mall para patuloy natin na hindi makalimutan ‘yung gawin na ‘yon.” the actor said.
“Firefly” is one of the 10 entries for the MMFF 2023 that will run from December 25 to January 7, 2024 in more than 100 cinemas nationwide.