A Royal Triumph: ‘The Kingdom’ conquers wins at the Metro Manila Film Festival
The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) witnessed the rise of an unexpected champion: “The Kingdom,” a film that dared to reimagine Philippine history. Garnering 12 nominations, the film seized victory in five key categories, solidifying its place as a cinematic force to be reckoned with.
A Collaboration of Creative Powerhouses
Born from a partnership between MQuest Ventures, MZet Television Productions, and APT Entertainment, “The Kingdom” boasts a formidable creative team. The film’s narrative, penned by the talented Michelle Ngu-Nario, is brought to life by the skillful direction of Michael Tuviera, DGPI. Tuviera’s handling of the film’s complex themes and intricate plot earned him the coveted Best Director award. Adding to the film’s impressive accolades are the awards for Second Best Picture, Best Production Design (Nestor Abrogena), Best Visual Effects (Riot Inc.), and the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, a recognition of the film’s profound cultural impact.
Stars Align in a Historical Epic
“The Kingdom” is an acting showcase, featuring Vic Sotto in a fresh role as Lakan Makisig, alongside Piolo Pascual as the intense Sulo. Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, and Sid Lucero further enrich the cast as Dayang Matimyas, Dayang Lualhati, and Magat Bagwis, respectively. The exceptional performances delivered by this ensemble cast resulted in dual nominations for Best Actor for both Sotto and Pascual, with Lucero receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
A Director’s Perspective
Reflecting on the collaborative process, director Michael Tuviera shared, “Working with Bossing (Vic) and Piolo was an absolute privilege. Bossing shed his comedic persona entirely, delivering a performance as Lakan Makisig that was both powerful and vulnerable. Piolo brought incredible precision and intensity to Sulo, elevating every scene he was in. The cast also delivered deeply nuanced performances that brought their characters to life in ways that exceeded expectations.”
Tuviera further elaborated on the film’s thematic focus: “At its core, The Kingdom is about family—how power tests relationships and shapes legacies. We wanted to ground this alternate history in something universal, something that would resonate deeply with everyone.”
A Producer’s Pride
Jane Basas, President of MQuest Ventures, expressed her elation at the film’s success: “Bringing The Kingdom to life has been an incredible journey. These awards validate the creativity and dedication of our team. Following our success with GomBurZa last year, we are proud to continue delivering excellent films for Filipinos. We hope this story inspires viewers to reflect on our history and explore the possibilities of what might have been. To everyone who has supported the film in cinemas, thank you for making this journey unforgettable.”
A Must-See Cinematic Experience
Currently gracing cinemas nationwide as part of the MMFF lineup, “The Kingdom” invites audiences on an unforgettable journey from December 25, 2024, to January 7, 2025.
