Two foreign films get X rating

The Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) has given an X rating to two foreign films participating in the upcoming Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival.

But the city government appealed to the MTRCB to reconsider its decision.

"We are appealing for consistency of principle," said Lito Anzures, of the city government’s information office and consultant of Mayor Jejomar Binay.

The review board gave an X rating to French film "Swimming Pool" and the Thai movie "Blissfully Yours" for their sexual content.

On the other hand, it allowed the screening of "Erotic Tales," a movie from Germany which consists of six short films. Each of the film was done by different international directors, namely: Rob Rafelson, Susan Seidelman, Ken Russell, Melvin Van Peebles, Paul Cox, and Mani Kaul, a statement from the city government, said.

Anzures said the two films rated X by the MTRCB would not be shown at the filmfest if the review board does not reconsider its decision.

"Films shown at Cinemanila are art films. They are not like the porno films on VCDs sold on the sidewalks or for ordinary runs only," he said.

Anzures added that those joining the filmfest are mostly independent film producers looking for an opportunity to showcase their works.

Around 100 films will be shown at the festival, including the winners of prestigious international film festivals like the Sundance, Berlin International Film Festival, and the Cannes Film Festival.

Also in the line up is the Oscar-winning movie of Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, "Talk to Her."

In a statement, Binay said Makati and the Philippines as a whole "would need high-profile international events like the Makati International Film Festival to encourage foreigners to visit the country" especially after the July 27 mutiny of junior military officers.

Filipino-American Hollywood celebrities Lou Diamond Philipps, Rob Schneider, Tia Carrere and Dean Devlin are scheduled to attend the film festival.

The filmfest, an annual event of the city government now on its fifth year, will run from Aug. 7 to 27 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. – Nikko Dizon