LOOK: The Manila Film Festival is back this 2023, now showcasing student films at SM Manila

Launched last February, The Manila Film Festival successfully made a comeback with a successful premiere night last Thursday, June 15, at SM Manila. The film festival, initially introduced by former Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas as the Metropolitan Film Festival during the 1960s, returns with a rebranded name, The Manila Film Festival (TMFF).

Present at the premiere are celebrities Sue Prado, Lance Raymundo, and Kych Minemoto, who took part in the films and director Pancho Maniquis.

Film director Pancho Maniquis

Out of hundreds of entries, the finalists were down to five. Each participant was granted P300,000 as budget for the production.

“Maaasahan po nila ang limang de kalibreng movie galing po sa rating magagaling na mag-aaral dito po sa Manila Film Festival 2023. Dito po maipapakita ang talent ng rating mga estudyante ng mga unibersidad dito sa Maynila at mga karatig-lungsod,” said Mayor Honey Lacuña who was present at the red carpet premiere. She added, “Ito po ang ating paraan upang maibalik ang sigla ng pelikulang Pilipino.”

Vice-Mayor Yul Servo shared, “Talagang pinaghandaan nila [student participants] ito kasi meron silang professional mentors na talagang pinag-aksayahan sila ng oras para tulungan at gabayan. At siyempre, inaasahan nating muling tangkilin ng ating mga kababayan ang pelikulang Pilipino. Lalo na dito sa Manila Film Festival.” Servo, an actor, had a cameo appearance in one of the films.

Aside from bringing back the local cinemas to life after the disruption in business brought about by the COVID pandemic, Lacuña said it is the TMFF’s goal to showcase the raw talents we have locally. As several video projects popped up from everywhere at the height of the pandemic, the Manila mayor pointed out how many of those have been limited to digital platforms. This time, Lacuña said, “This is an opportunity for the students’ works to be seen on the big screen.”

Check out this year’s participants:

THE ADVENTURES OF KWEEN JHONABELLE

Following the news of her brother’s leukemia diagnosis, Jhonabelle resorts to vlogging and produces prank videos that become immensely popular, enabling her to gather financial resources for her brother’s medical care.

Written and Directed by Carlo James Buan

An entry from students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Starring Larizze Ann J. Eco, Kian Co, Samantha Faith Valdez Batula, Stephanie Kayla L. Quitlong

CTRL-F-ESC

Angelo, a young man yearning for relief from the burdensome path of his life, strives to discover an avenue to escape the hardships brought about by academic stress, social pressures, and a detrimental environment.

Directed by Justin B. Bobier

An entry from students of Adamson University

Starring Kych Minemoto, Sue Prado, Leilani Kate Yalung, Yul Servo, Francheska Manalastas, Rina Napura, James Guanlao

THANKS FOR THE BROKEN HEART

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Daniel Castro, a virologist/epidemiologist in his middle age, who also advocates for climate change, experiences the tumultuous emotions of love and heartbreak with his May-December romantic partner, Melissa del Rosario, a young television reporter.

Directed by Cess Cruz

An entry from students of University of The Philippines and University of Makati

Starring Lance Raymundo, Gerlaine Silva, Mary Sharapova, Oliver Lacson

UNSPOKEN

Will the final chapter of a captivating tragedy, which delves into the complexities of love and life, bring liberation to a wounded past and unveil the truth that shapes the future?

Directed by Daniella Javierto

An entry from students of Arellano University, Pasig

Starring Lara Lagdaan, David King Escio, Stephen Legaspi, Irish Vistan

THE UNCANNY

Jax’s struggle with writer’s block prompts a decision to embark on a week-long staycation at an ancient manor, which sets the stage for a sequence of inexplicable encounters.