‘Citizen Jake’ not joining 2017 MMFF lineup

Image: “Citizen Jake” official Facebook page

In line of director Mike de Leon’s vision of promoting quality films, his latest movie “Citizen Jake” will not be part of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) line-up in December.

“Ever since the anomalous selection process that occurred months ago that resulted in 4 films being selected based on scripts, I realized that any reforms well-intentioned filmmakers may clamor for are only doomed to failure,” De Leon said in a statement released on the Citizen Jake Official Facebook page.

He added that it was intimated to him by a reliable source that his film is doomed to fail in the box office, once the film festival commences.

“Corruption has returned in full force to this festival that purports to make children happy during the holiday season, a euphemism for profit and greed,” De Leon added about the festival.

De Leon is also asking for support from an audience he is seeking, one he believes exists: “It is a good and honest film that is seeking an audience that I am convinced is out there.”

The four pre-selected films are “Ang Panday” starring and directed by Coco Martin, “Love Traps: #FamilyGoals” featuring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta, Vice Ganda’s “The Revengers” and “Almost is Never Enough” with Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado.

Following the announcement of the first four entries, three members of the MMFF executive committee, namely Ricky Lee, Rolando Tolentino and Kara Alikpala resigned in June. JB

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