‘Firefly’ wishes for more cinemas after MMFF best picture win

The “Firefly” cast and team —GMA PICTURES

It may not have swept the awards, but “Firefly,” best picture winner at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, emerged triumphant in the category that mattered most to its creators: best screenplay.

“I was so happy that it won best screenplay because from the start, we knew that the script was the strength of our film—story is really the king,” director Zig Dulay told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the MMFF awards ceremony, or the “Gabi ng Parangal,” at the New Frontier Theater last Wednesday.

Set in 1999, “Firefly” is a fantasy drama film that follows the journey of a young boy named Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell) as he tries to find the magical island of a thousand fireflies. Based on stories his beloved mother Elay (Alessandra de Rossi) told him, once the island is spotted, the finder’s wish would be granted.

“We believed in the story. Iyon ang pinanghahawakan namin, from myself down to everyone in the production. We all believed in what the film wanted to say and make the audience feel,” Dulay said.

For screenwriter Angeli Atienza, telling “Firefly’s” story was a “privilege.” “I feel like Tonton. I can’t believe this happened to me,” she said. “My hope is for people to find the light in themselves.”

Aside from best picture and best screenplay, the film also won the best child actor award for Mikaell. With such high recognitions, the “Firefly” team hoped that they could continue booking more cinemas, not just in Metro Manila, but around the country.

Clockwise, from left: screenwriter Angeli Atienza, director Zig Dulay, GMA Public Affairs first vice president Nessa Valdellon and Euwenn Mikaell —GMA PICTURES

More than 40 cinemas

The movie reportedly opened on Dec. 25 in more than 40 cinemas—one of the three with the fewest theaters among 10 MMFF entries. But thanks to word of mouth and good reviews, Firefly, as of Dec. 28, can already be seen in 70 theaters nationwide.

“I hope the awards generate more interest among moviegoers and inspire more theater [operators] to book us so that our film can be seen not only in Metro Manila, but also in the region and other corners of the country. Our aim is for our film to be watched by as many people as possible,” Dulay said.

“How will our movie stand a chance if we don’t have enough cinemas? It defeats our purpose of making a movie meant to be enjoyed by many,” he pointed out.

That’s why he couldn’t be more grateful to people sharing on social media their good experiences watching the film. “They really are a big help. I think people posting about their reactions, and how much they liked the film inspired other theater owners to give ‘Firefly’ a chance,” he said.

But whatever happens, the joy and pride Dulay feels from working on “Firefly” will never be diminished. This MMFF, he said, is a festival of firsts.

Euwenn Mikaell —FACEBOOK

Dreams fufilled

“This is my first mainstream film and first MMFF. And then, it won best picture. That’s more than enough … Like Tonton, I think I have found the island of fireflies and fulfilled my dreams,” he said.

Drawing parallels between the film and its cinema distribution, GMA Pictures president Annette Gozon-Valdes told the Inquirer: “It’s like we started with a single firefly. And we hoped they continue to multiply, making this film shine more brightly … Slowly but surely, we’re getting more theaters, making it possible for more people to appreciate its story.”

The last time GMA Pictures won best picture at the MMFF was in 2009 for the action-fantasy film “Ang Panday.” And after “Firefly’s” win, Gozon-Valdes said the movie outfit hopes to sustain the momentum with four to six movies planned for 2024.

“Sana tuluy-tuloy na,” she said. “We’re happy. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported not only our film but the MMFF as a whole. Seeing people return to the cinemas and appreciating local films is encouraging for us producers.” INQ