Beauty Gonzalez says MMFF 2023 made her understand ‘realities’ of PH film industry
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Beauty Gonzalez (right) with “K(ampon)” co-star Erin Espiritu. Image: Wence Trajano via Instagram/@beauty_gonzalez
Beauty Gonzalez, lead star of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “K(ampon),” reflected on how the annual festival made her realize the “realities of the film industry in the Philippines,” and how the “film who earned the most money” is apparently the “winner.”
On her Instagram account last Tuesday, Dec. 26, Gonzalez shared how the MMFF was “monumental” in raising her awareness on the “realities” of the local film industry, while sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of herself with “K(ampon)” co-star Erin Espiritu.
“For those who have watched ‘K(ampon)’ and for those who are about to watch, thank you,” she wrote. “The MMFF experience was monumental for me, my eyes now wide open to the realities of the film industry in the Philippines. The experience definitely extends long after the director shouts cut and pack up.”
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The actress also realized that promotions in the MMFF are a “whole different ball game” and are “far more intense,” as the actors and production staff are being “pitted against each other.”
“Far more intense than any endorsement or TV show marketing strategies I’ve been involved with. The big difference is that this festival is a competition, not unlike a celebrity death match. Not only are the artistas (actors) pitted against each other, but also directors, cinematographers, production designers, editors, etc,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisement“A right royal rumble, or in Pinoy moviespeak, ‘bakbakan sa baboy koral (a rumble in a pig pen),” she further added.
Article continues after this advertisementAnd for Gonzalez, she believes the “film who earned the most money” will apparently emerge as the winner of the annual festival, while lamenting on how the reception of a film will “reflect” on her as an actress.
“And at the end, the film who earned the most money wins! I’m laughing but I’m actually crying from the pressure not only for me to be perceived to be hindi [pabigat] sa pelikula (as someone who will not drag the movie down) but for the film as a whole to do well both critically and financially,” she said.
“I had nothing to do [with] let’s say with the story, poster design or the lighting but pun intended, it all reflects on me,” she continued.
Despite her “little rant,” Gonzalez is nonetheless grateful to those who appreciated the “beauty” of “K(ampon),” and made an effort to promote her MMFF film.
“My biggest consolation and reward for this film is to see on people’s faces after watching this movie, [none] of the above. Not to see the tiny difficult details involved in bringing a film to market, but to see only the beauty of the film,” she said. “I got to meet so many lovely people walking around the malls to promote… best of all, the [Philippine] movie industry is alive and kicking.”
The MMFF film, directed by King Palisoc, also stars Derek Ramsay and Zeinab Harake, with Cai Cortez, Kean Cipriano and Al Tantay making special appearances.
During a press conference, Gonzalez admitted that it was awkward to kiss Ramsay while filming despite their characters being married, as the latter is the husband of the actress’ close friend Ellen Adarna.
