MTRCB reverses self; Makati filmfest starts

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has lifted its X-rating on four foreign films participating in the Makati Cinemanila Film Festival which starts today.

Makati Rep. and Cinemanila organizing committee chairman Agapito "Butz" Aquino thanked MTRCB chairman Marilen Dinglasan for the immediate action of the board on the request for reconsideration on the ratings.

Last week, the MTRCB issued an X-rating on the films "Y Tu Mama Tam Bien," "Manito," Hollywood Hong Kong," and "Seafood" because of its controversial topics and scenes containing nudity and violence.

The X-rating would have prevented the screening of all four films at the Cinemanila as well as their participation in the grand prize of the festival, the Lino Brocka Award.

A total of 17 films are vying for the award representing 14 nations including two films from the Philippines.

For the entire 15-day festival, a total of 100 films will be shown, all winners of prestigious film awards including Cannes, Sundance and the Oscars.

"We appreciate the gesture of support from the national government. Everyone should help in presenting a positive image of the Philippines abroad and this is what we are doing in Makati," Aquino said, while adding that the film festival is a good venue to attract tourists into the country.

Among the notable films to be screened during the festival are "The Man Who Wasn’t There," "Lagaan," "Central Station," "No Man’s Land," "Batang West Side," and "Bagong Buwan."

The city government of Makati is the main sponsor of the event. – Marvin Sy