MMFF 2010 To Feature 5 Indie Films

For the first time in its 36-year history, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will pay tribute and features 5 independent (indie) films in addition to the 8 official mainstream entries.

Dubbed as a “Tribute to the Indie Films-Philippine Premier,” these films will be exhibited from December 16 to 20 at SM Megamall as a prelude to the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The 5 indie films selected to be screened before the actual MMFF 2010 on December 25 are as follows:

1. NASAAN SI HEFTE?
Cast: Darryl Shaw, Anna Luna, Kenneth Go and Rommel Luna
Director: Jonah Lim


2. PRESA
Cast: Anita Linda, Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson, Tetchie Agbayani, Liza
Lorena, Daria Ramirez, Ina Feleo, Angeli Bayani, Cherry Madrigal and Rosanna Roces
Director: Adolfo Alix Jr.



3. RINDIDO
Cast: Chanel Latorre, Vic Tiro, Banjo Romero, Jek Jumawan, Marlon Jarito and Lotlot Bernardo
Director: Noriel Jarito



4. SENIOR YEAR
Cast: Dimples Romana, Ina Feleo, RJ Ledesma, Arnold Reyes, Che Ramos, LJ Moreno, Ramon Bautista, Daniel Medrana and Kalila Aguilos
Director: Jerrold Tarog



5. SLOW FADE
Cast: Diether Ocampo, Precious Lara Quigaman, Archie Adamos, Jaime Fabregas, Alchris Galura, Mosang, Alwyn Uytingco, Fonz Deza, Lui Manansala, Abel Napuran, Richard Manabat, Irene Tan-Gurango and German Moreno
Director: Rommel Sales

Though the 5 chosen indie films might have a big chances of earning several awards, they will be only be screened for exhibition and not in competition with the 8 mainstream movies. However, a "Special Citation" award will be given to each film come “Gabi ng Parangal” on December 26 at the Meralco Theater.

MMDA Chair and MMFF Executive Committee Over-all Chair Atty. Francis Tolentino said these 5 indie films were chosen by a selection committee from among the nine independent film producers who submitted their entries.

He said, “This is our way of helping new filmmakers showcase their movies and to increase public awareness on these kind of films which are not commercially shown in local theaters but are internationally acclaimed in foreign film festivals.”

By supporting the indie films, the MMFF in effect calls the attention of the moviegoing public to take notice and patronize the new breed of filmmakers whose pictures are attuned and relevant to the present times.