MANILA, Philippines – John Lloyd Cruz asked the entertainment industry to help make the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) a venue for “important films.”
“It’s about time na gawin nating totoong festival ang Metro Manila Film Festival,” he said in an interview aired in the ABS-CBN late-night talk show “Tonight with Boy Abunda” on Wednesday.
“Hindi siya parang venue para lang pagkakitaan,” he added. “Balik natin ang panahon noon, na ang pinapalabas natin ‘yong mga importanteng pelikula.”
This call is in relation to the disqualification of their film “Honor Thy Father” from the best picture category of the MMFF awards night, which was according to the executive committee was due to the screening of the film in the Cinema One Originals film festival in November.
READ: John Lloyd Cruz laments 'Honor Thy Father' DQ in House hearing
The issue now is being investigated by the House of Representatives after Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, who was also part of the film, filed a House resolution.
John Lloyd, who is a co-producer of the film, said that producing more films similar to “Honor Thy Father” is his way of showing importance and fighting for quality Filipino films.
“Ito ang mundo na ginagalawan namin, importante ito sa amin, para sa kultura ng Pilipinas,” he explained. “Sana lang makita siya at mabigyan ng halaga. Ang tao naman kapag nalaman nila ang halaga ng isang bagay niyayakap naman, e.”
John Lloyd stars in another film with Piolo Pascual, directed by Lav Diaz titled “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis.” The film will compete in the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in February.