MMFF 2024: 50TH-YEAR MILESTONE CELEBRATED WITH STAR-STUDDED GABI NG PARANGAL; BONG GO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR PH FILM INDUSTRY

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), now celebrating its 50th year, concluded its prestigious Gabi ng Parangal on Friday, December 27, at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.

The event recognized outstanding films and individuals in the Philippine movie industry, with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go presenting the Best Director Award, which went to Crisanto Aquino for “My Future You” and Michael Tuviera for “The Kingdom.”

This year’s MMFF, running from December 25 to January 7, features ten diverse entries that showcase the depth and talent of Filipino filmmakers, actors, and creators. The lineup includes “Green Bones,” “And the Breadwinner is…,” “Isang Himala,” “The Kingdom,” “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” “My Future You,” “Uninvited,” “Topakk,” “Espantaho,” and “Hold Me Close.” Celebrating Filipino Creativity

With this, Senator Go continues to highlight the importance of the MMFF in promoting Filipino culture, creativity, and talent. “Tonight is a platform where we celebrate the talent of our filmmakers, actors, and the entire entertainment workforce while showcasing stories that resonate with every Filipino.”

Senator Go encouraged families and communities to watch the MMFF entries and support the local movie industry, emphasizing the festival’s role in cultural preservation, promotion of the arts, as well as its economic contributions.

“Muli kong hinihikayat ang bawat Pilipino na suportahan at tangkilikin ang mga pelikulang Pilipino lalo na ang mga kalahok sa MMFF. Ang bawat ticket na inyong binibili ay isang hakbang patungo sa pagpapaunlad ng ating industriya at pagsuporta sa ating mga manggagawa sa pelikula,” Senator Go said.

As an advocate for workers in the media and entertainment sectors, Go reaffirmed his commitment to improving their welfare by co-authoring Republic Act 11996, also known as the “Eddie Garcia Law.” This law ensures better working conditions for our entertainment workers and underscores the cultural and economic contributions of this sector to the nation.

“Our media and entertainment workers are essential to the cultural and economic fabric of our nation. We must ensure their safety, rights, and well-being,” he emphasized.

Senator Go, who has served as a dedicated member of the MMFF Executive Committee for six years, also revisited his proposal to hold the MMFF twice a year, with plans to hold and strengthen the Metro Manila Summer Film Festival. He believes this initiative will create more opportunities for filmmakers and industry workers while giving audiences more chances to enjoy Filipino films.

The evening was filled with excitement as Dennis Trillo and Judy Ann Santos bagged the Best Actor and Best Actress awards for their performances in “Green Bones” and “Espantaho,” respectively. Other notable winners included:
* Best Director: Crisanto Aquino and Michael Tuviera for “My Future You” and “The Kingdom.”
* Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid, “Green Bones”
* Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro, “Isang Himala”
* Special Jury Prizes: “Topakk” and “Isang Himala.”
The event also honored Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza with the Best Screenplay award for “Green Bones,” while Vincent de Jesus received the Best Musical Score for “Isang Himala.”

Senator Go remains optimistic about the future of the Philippine film industry. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and creatives to produce world-class content and elevate Filipino cinema on the global stage.

“Asahan niyo po, patuloy akong susuporta sa industriya ng pelikula at sa lahat ng mga manggagawa nito. Sama-sama nating buuin ang mas makulay at matagumpay na kinabukasan ng pelikulang Pilipino,” Senator Go concluded.

Earlier that day, Senator Go was in Davao Oriental, where he provided assistance to small business owners as part of his commitment to economic empowerment and livelihood support.