2011 MMFF launched

MANILA, Philippines -  This early, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing for the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), encouraged and inspired by the success of last year’s filmfest. On March 11, the MMFF executive committee is already launching MMFF 2011, recognizing the importance of planning its various activities way ahead of time.

The Metro Manila Film Festival, the most awaited and important cinema event in the country, raises funds for the five pillars of the industry. Its earnings are divided among the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) — 50 percent, Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) — 20 percent, Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council — 20 percent, Optical Media Board (OMB) — five percent and Film Development Council of the Philippines — five percent.

The early launch gives the executive committee sufficient time for meetings and consultations with movie producers, theater owners, and other organizations involved in the entertainment industry.

As in last year, the MMFF is set on giving better opportunity for independent film producers and directors to be seen and heard by a wider audience. The executive committee is studying how it can maximize the participation of indie filmmakers while helping them recoup if not maximize earnings from their projects.

Another thrust of the MMFF is making the event effective not only financially, but also in terms of its efficiency as a medium for promoting quality entertainment, education and raising social awareness through the pictures that will be shown in December.

The MMFF is held nationwide and its entries shown from Dec. 25 to first week of January.