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Scene from “Becky & Badette” —THE IDEAFIRST COMPANY
(We are running this guide to help you plan your movie-viewing activity during the holidays. The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, or MMFF, Christmas Edition runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2024.)
Written and directed by Jun Robles Lana; stars Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, Agot Isidro, Romnick Sarmenta, Adrian Lindayag; produced by The IdeaFirst Company
After 17 years, Domingo and Pokwang find themselves teaming up and topbilling a comedy film anew.
The story follows the titular characters Becky (Domingo) and Badette (Pokwang), two longtime best friends who dream of becoming a popular musician and actress, respectively. But while they’re smart, talented and are achievers in school, circumstances beyond their control stop them from maximizing their true potential.
But all that changes during their high school reunion. After drunkenly making up outlandish tales in front of their school mates, the two women inadvertently go viral. At last, the fame they have been yearning for is within grasp.
They’re tired of being poor and ignored. Will they step up and go for it, and put their friendship on the line? Or will they step back and choose their friendship?
“This story hits close to home because we’re actresses in real life. And this film is about how people handle or navigate fame. Will it help you as a person, your family? Or will it end up destroying the things you hold dear,” Pokwang said.
Claiming it
While local cinema is beset by various challenges like dwindling viewership and competition posed by streaming, they’re keeping their fingers crossed that the film can help reignite interest in the movies.
“We’re claiming it! Not just because we want to be bida-bida or No. 1, it’s just that our producers are taking a risk. It’s no joke funding a film and giving workers their salaries. Of course, we want our movie to earn well, so our producers can continue doing more films. My hope for this year’s festival is for everyone to, at least, break even,” Domingo said. —ALLAN POLICARPIO