2016 MMFF’s biggest accomplishment

H.R. OCAMPO ON VIEW. His art described as “abstract compositions of biological forms that seemed to oscillate, quiver, inflame and multiply” like mutations, Leon Gallery proudly presents “TROVE: The Coseteng Collection | The Life and Art of H.R. Ocampo,” an exhibition and retrospective on the life and oeuvre of one of the most iconic Filipino artists, H.R. Ocampo. The exhibit opens today, January 21, at 6 p.m., at the Eurovilla 1. Rufino corner Legazpi St. Legaspi, Makati City. 
 
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. With 26 submissions of finished full-length features to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), three screened out of festival (Super Guardians, Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers, Mano Po 8: Tsinoy) eight precariously blasted during the annual event (Die Beautiful, Seklusyon, Vince Kath and James, Saving Sally, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 #Forever is not Enough, Sunday Beauty Queen, Oro, Kabisera), four with confirmed screenings (Mang Kepweng Returns, Moon Over Baler, Across the Crescent Moon, Sakaling Hindi Makarating and Tatlong Bibe) and nine without indication of release plan.
When all is said and done, the issue is narrowed down to whether the MMFF’s finished film requirement was effective in producing the kind of quality films it aimed for.
Here are the opinions of selected directors based on the question: Which do you favor and why: Script or finished film submission for MMFF?
Joven Tan, writer, director and associate producer of Regis Films and Entertainment’s “Tatlong Bibe” screening starting on March 1: “Finished film! Mas napaghandaan ang paggawa ng pelikula, walang naghahabol ng deadline, mas sumigla ang film industry dahil maraming gumawa ng movies. Kapag script muna, kung sino lang ang napili, yun lang ang gagawa.”
Gil Portes, director of Moonlight Over Baler: “Although not included in the past MMFF, I still believe that finished films should be submitted not scripts which are not followed by producers/directors. This is a film festival not a scriptwriting contest. The last MMFF produced some excellent films that will never be given a chance to be seen had we followed the old system.”
Theodore Boborol, director of surprise pick Vince Kath and James: It’s a very difficult question to answer because honestly, I have no idea how the other film festivals go. It really depends on the vision and objective of MMFF. Personally i prefer a finished film or picture lock submission if their intention to select a film is based on the film’s aesthetics. Pag script lang kasi, marami pang pwedeng mabago while filming.”
Marlon Rivera, director and co-producer of Ang Babae Sa Septic Yank 2 #Forever is Not Enough and co-director of Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers: “Definitely, finished film (not even a pic lock). The best way to judge a film is in its final form.”
Avid Liongoren, director of Saving Sally: “Finished film, of course, because you are exhibiting a film. And a film has to be judged as a film.”
Baby Nebrida, director of Across the Crescent Moon screening starting January 25 dissents: “I would prefer to have the script as a basis for choosing the entry for the MMFF. This is fairer and just — filmmakers need not waste time, money and effort in hurrying to meet the MMFF deadlines. The story and the screenplay should be the big consideration in joining the MMFF.
“I have joined the MMFF in the past and our film won Best Picture and the other entry we had won second Best Picture. In this MMFF — our film did not qualify because our film with high budget was considered mainstream and the judges who were proponents of indie film gave us the lowest score. The fate of the film should not be determined by six judges who are known Indie director, indie actor and indie supporters. MMFF wanted to have pure indie films as the official entry. We hired well known young and senior stars and used expensive cameras and these factors worked against us when they judged our film, Across the Crescent Moon.
“Well, I was disappointed, but I just trusted in God’s will. I always surrender everything to Him. He knows what is best for our film and indeed, now, I am happy that we were not chosen. God knows everything and He knew that our film was not meant to be in that line up. I am hoping that the Filipino people will enjoy and love our film. Definitely, we gave our best and it will be worth your time, money and effort to watch our film.”
Majority of its directors in favor, thus, the introduction of the concept finished film submission is 2016 MMFF’s biggest accomplishment and must be perpetuated.
 
FINAL SCREENING FOR MOSSIMO BIKINI SUMMIT TODAY. Producing aspiring individuals becoming standouts from TV-movie actors to runway superstars to popular print and TV ad models to media personalities since 2002, the Mossimo Bikini Summit will have the final screening for its 2017 edition dubbed “Model Supremacy” on January 21 at The Penthouse 8747 located at Paseo de Roxas, Salcedo Village in Makati City. Registration starts at 10 a.m.
The search is open to all aspiring male and female models (all nationalities with Filipino blood or ancestry), ages 18 to 25 years old, at least a high school graduate, single and with an exceptional character that is perfect to be the next big thing in the modeling industry. Height requirement for male is 5’10” and for female is 5’6.”
Interested applicants must also possess a proportional physique and must have excellent communication skills. Application forms can be downloaded at themodelsupremacy.com or visit Mossimo branches in Glorietta Ayala Center, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia.
The titleholders shall receive P250,000 each; P150,000 each for first runners-up and P100,000 each for second runners-up. Winners will also receive exciting valuable gifts from sponsors.
A production of Lumina Events Management, The Mossimo Bikini Summit — Model Supremacy is sponsored by Henann Regency Resort and Spa, The Penthouse 8747, Councilor Juris Sucro of Kalibo, Aklan, Think + Talk, Elinnov, JPC Audio Rental, Allocacoc Philippines, Creations by Lourd Ramos, Gold’s Gym, Lay Bare, Belo Essentials, Skyjet Airlines, Vans, STI, Healthy Foodie Manila, Ysa Skin and Body Experts.
To get more updates, check out www.themodelsupremacy.com, Facebook (fb.me/themodelsupremacy), Twitter (@themodelsupreme), Instagram (@themodelsupremacy) and YouTube (The Model Supremacy). For more details, call the Mossimo Bikini Summit 2017 — Model Supremacy secretariat at 0915-5208714, 0908-8102334, 403-1303 or 734-4303.
 Pinoy performers at the Hard Rock Café. Catch an exciting line-up of Pinoy performers at Hard Rock Café this January. Leading the pack is Area One, which will have a special concert on January 21 (Saturday). Area One is the country’s premiere Beatles tribute band and hard rockers can look forward to an evening of beautiful music as Area One performs live the greatest hits of The Beatles and a selection of standard favorites and party anthems from the ‘60s and the ‘70s. Other featured artists are Part 3 (Sundays and Fridays), Arpie & The Multivitamins (Mondays and Saturdays), Silk (Tuesdays), Kudos Love 80s (Wednesdays) and First Five (Thursdays). All shows start at 9:30 p.m.