Controversies leading to MMFF 2015

MANILA, Philippines – After the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival went full throttle, it was swarmed with controversies from every side.

The film festival kicked off at the Parade of Stars on Wednesday, setting off from SM Mall of Asia and ending at the Quirino Grandstand.

READ: AlDub, Kris Aquino, Vice Ganda lead MMFF 2015 Parade of Stars

The past months, there have been changes in castings, begging off of some celebrities, and even the pullout of an official entry.

Let’s take a look on some of them as the eight films hit the cinemas today.

Kris Aquino-Herbert Bautista

Earlier this year, Kris Aquino announced that she would do a film festival entry film with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and her son, Bimby. A few turn of events in their relationship, however, also affected production.

Herbert was eventually replaced by Derek Ramsay. This casting move was followed by changes in the storyline, calling for the inclusion of Kim Chiu-Xian Lim and Jodi Sta. Maria-Ian Veneracion love teams in the film.

After everything has been finalized, The Queen of All Media almost backed out due to “scheduling conflicts” with her requested cinematographer. Good thing everything has been settled and Kris remained the star of the film.

Maria Ozawa-Robin Padilla

Maria Ozawa was excited to work on her first film in the Philippines, only there had been a last minute change with her leading man. She was supposed to be paired to Robin Padilla, but due to Mariel Rodriguez’s then sensitive pregnancy, Robin backed out from production to focus on his wife.

Robin's decision almost discouraged producers of the film almost from pushing through. This was until they chose Cesar Montano to be Robin’s replacement in the film.

JM de Guzman

JM de Guzman was supposed to star in his first MMFF film, only it did not push through. JM was supposed to star alongside Jennylyn Mercado in the film “Walang Forever,” but due to so-called personal issues, JM chose to give the project up. He was instead replaced by Jericho Rosales.

John Lloyd Cruz

John Lloyd Cruz did not conceal his disappointment after his film “Honor Thy Father” did not make to the final list of entries to the festival, and was instead shortlisted films with the Lovi Poe starrer “Lakambini.”

Yet period drama “Hermano Puli” starring Aljur Abrenica dropped out a few months before the start of the festival. This ushered in John Lloyd’s film to become one of the eight entries.