2013 MMFF challenges animators in new category

MANILA, Philippines - The New Wave Section of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has just gained more flavor with the addition of animation category into its fold.

In a recent announcement by MMFF authorities, the expansion category will be part of the upcoming festivities in December. 

Overall MMFF chairman Francis Tolentino (photo) stated, “We promised last year that our New Wave Section was going to be bigger, bolder and better. We are again pushing the envelope and providing a platform for our animators, both young and veterans.”

The MMFF joined hands with the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) in making the crucial add-on possible. The ACPI, being the country’s top organization spearheading the improvement of local animation industry, welcomed the development.

The animation category, to be officially launched next month, will accept entries from animators, both professional and amateur. An entry must be submitted in DVD format, with its running time not exceeding 12 minutes. 

As one of its technical requirements, entries are required “full or high resolution .avi data file with a frame size of 720 x 480, and a compression of DV NTSC.”

In a related expression of opinion, producer Digna Santiago, talking about the importance of technical ingenuity in international film competitions, said, “Kailangan ang artistic talent should complement the technical requirements set and I guess we’re close to accomplishing that.”

Five animation entries are going to be chosen as finalists — all of which scheduled for public viewing in selected theaters from Dec. 18 to 24. 

Deadline of submission is slated on Oct. 4, with the announcement of the final five coming just a week later.

“We have an incredible pool of talent in the Philippines and the MMFF believes that we need to showcase their work to the Filipino audience,” Tolentino added. 

MMFF expressed pride over the success of last year’s New Wave Section winners. The full-lengths, The Grave Bandits, which won Best Picture, is headed to the Asian Summer Film Festival in Spain while In Nomine Matris, which took home the Gender Sensitivity plum, has been invited to the Andalucia Festival and Jecheon International Music and Film Festival.