2011 MMFF open to students, indie filmmakers

MANILA, Philippines - “We want to give the chance to the younger crowd,” Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Independent Film Committee chair Mark Meily told The STAR as one of the objectives in raising awareness about the inclusion of indie films and student short films in the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

“Actually, there was already an indie section in last year’s MMFF, but only a few joined because its inclusion had not been fully disseminated to the public. And since MMDA head (Francis) Tolentino became the MMFF chair, he really aims for indies to be part of the festival due to the many international recognitions they reaped abroad.”

In the press release, Tolentino said, “We should encourage the production of these art films that showcase Filipino talents.”

Thus, the MMFF committee is inviting students and indie filmmakers to submit their entries for the filmfest’s Independent Cinema Category. It is the first time in MMFF history to have a student short films category.

All entries must have been produced between January and October of this year. They must have Filipino content, cast and directors. Participants can shoot abroad but their entries must not be produced by a major film outfit or TV network and must not have been commercially released. Student short film must not exceed 12 minutes with credits while feature film must have a minimum of 60 minutes and a maximum of 115 minutes. All entries must be submitted on DVD format with English subtitles. DVDs must be marked with title, running time, format and contact information. Deadline of submission of entries is 6 p.m. of Oct. 30. 

“It’s okay if an entry had been released abroad or in school, but not commercially run,” director Meily added.

Five full-length and 10 student short films will be selected by a five-member screening committee. The MMFF will cover the expense for the MTRCB permits of the selected entries.

“For student short film, an endorsement letter from the principal, dean or department head is required to signify that the film is the school’s official entry. Kahit wala silang film department, film club lang yan it’s okay. We just need the endorsement of the school. All private and public schools are welcome (to join),” Meily said.  

A jury of three to five members will choose the winner for Best Independent Film and Best Student Film. The director of Best Indie Film will receive P100,000 and a trophy while the school of Best Student Film will get P25,000 and a trophy. An audience prize will also be given to the student film with the highest ticket sales.

The Quezon City government, on the other hand, is in charge of determining which film will receive the Gender Sensitive Award. All selected entries will have a gala screening on Dec. 18 and will be shown in theaters until Dec. 21.

Asked if the indies will still be shown in theaters after the filmfest, Meily replied, “’Yun yung gusto namin mangyari sana but, of course, it would depend on the distributor or the theater group. We wish that after the four-day screening in the filmfest, indies could have extended playdates.”