The first Manila International Film Festival will have a different set of winners from the MMFF awards
Some stars who headlined entries at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) flew to Los Angeles, California to attend the first Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which will run from January 29 to February 2, 2024.
The MIFF is a Hollywood-based festival launched in November to promote the Philippine film industry by showcasing local films in the United States.
The MMFF 2023 entries are: “Rewind,” “Firefly,” “GomBurZa,” “Mallari,” “Becky & Badette,” “When I Met You in Tokyo,” “K(ampon),” “Penduko,” “Broken Hearts’ Trip,” and “Family of Two.”
All of these films will be screened at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
READ ALSO: Here’s What You Need To Know About 2023 MMFF Entries
Stars present at the MIFF
Dingdong Dantes is set to promote Star Cinema, APT, and Agosto Dos’ “Rewind,” which he top-billed with his wife Marian Rivera. The film was recently declared as the highest-grossing in the Philippines with over P900 million ticket sales.
Dingdong Dantes is ready to bring #TheRewindEffect in Hollywood! ??
— Star Cinema (@StarCinema) January 29, 2024
Catch Dingdong Dantes at the ‘Rewind’ Manila International Film Festival screening with Q&A at TCL Chinese 6 Theatre on January 29 at 8:30 PM. ‘Rewind’ will have another screening on January 31 at 3:00 PM.… pic.twitter.com/HIwgi6mHOc
Aside from “Rewind,” Dingdong is also promoting the MMFF 2023 Best Picture “Firefly,” produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs where he also had a special role. Also with him is Sparkle artist Ysabel Ortega, who is one of the movie’s cast members.
“Mallari” lead star Piolo Pascual is attending with leading lady Janella Salvador.
He told the media, “We’re excited to be part of the inaugural Manila International Film Festival. If you’re Pinoy or of Filipino heritage, come join us. We want to showcase Filipino talent. We’re here to celebrate our heritage.”
ICYMI: "Mallari" lead star @piolopascual_ph will be with co-star Janella Salvador at the Manila International Film Festival this Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 in Los Angeles, California ?#PioloPascual #CornerstoneArtist #MallariTheMovie pic.twitter.com/9mnQtcbM2X
— Cornerstone Entertainment (@cornerstone_ofc) January 28, 2024
Piolo and Dingdong, known as top leading men in their respective networks, were also photographed together at the festival.
Enchong Dee expressed his excitement to promote the MMFF 2023 Second Best Picture, “GomBurZa.” where he played Padre Jacinto Zamora.
“I’m happy to be back for the MIFF, this time bringing ‘GomBurZa,’ the film that reminded every Filipino how much we should love our country. Hope to see everyone at the screenings,” the actor said.
MMFF 2023 Best Actor Cedrick Juan, who played Padre Jose Burgos, is also at the prestigious event.
John Arcilla is also at the festival as part of Studio VIVA and Cignal’s “Penduko,” headlined by Matteo Guidicelli.
Alden Richards is set to attend the February 1 screening of his film with Sharon Cuneta, “Family of Two.” Christian Bables has just sat down in a panel discussion at the screening of his film, “Broken Hearts’ Trip.”
Beauty Gonzalez is also present to promote her movie “Kampon.”
The MIFF awards ceremony will have its own set of winners.
The categories include: Best Picture, Special Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Audience Award, and Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the MMFF 2023 Gabi Ng Parangal, “Firefly” won the Best Picture award while Cedrick Juan and Vilma Santos went home with the top acting awards.
READ: “Firefly” Wins Best Picture; Vilma Santos, Cedrick Juan Bag Top Acting Awards
Banner Image Sthan Lee (Piolo and Dingdong); Enchong Dee on Instagram
Banner Art Paulo Correa
