MMFF 2016 is over and done with. What have we learned from the exercise?
There are those still grappling with the results of the festival. One of them airs his views here as I give today’s space to PIT M. MALIKSI of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sto. Tomas, Batangas campus.
* * *
HERE’S MR. MALIKSI: It’s unfortunate that the modest success of MMFF 2016 was marred by some ethical issues. Take the case of “Kabisera” starring Nora Aunor, funded by young producer RJ Agustin.
A day before the exhibition of MMFF Magic 8, one writer lambasted “Kabisera” for failing to get Cinema Evaluation Board ratings because he said, the movie was worthless. Was he just being mean and biased when the eight independent-minded selection board and top critics had earlier aired great citations for “Kabisera” and the fine acting of Nora?
Was he a supporter or an MMFF-wrecker?
Another veteran lady writer criticized “Kabisera” for its poor box-office showing. She should have considered that the top four crowd-drawing films were shown in provincial SM theaters, while “Kabisera” was not.
In fact, many senior Noranians from the provinces who can’t travel long distances were sad not to see it in nearby theaters, as well as the PUP Sto. Tomas Batangas’ students. Anyway, some college students have already requested RJ Agustin for special screenings of “Kabisera” in their respective schools.
To her rescue, veteran writer Veronica Samio wrote: “It’s unfair to tell Nora to retire due to the poor showing of “Kabisera.” It’s not her fault. A seasoned actress like Nora grows old but she’s not a done deal. She portrays mother and grandmother roles already, what else would you like from her?”
I say, Nora Aunor does not deserve that shabby treatment as a legend who brought honors to the country by earning 14 Best Actress International awards and citations, 90+ local Best Actress honors and more than 290 awards from TV, film, theater, radio, government institutions and the academe. As a multi-media superstar, nothing compares.
The chief tirade came the next day after the awards night when one MMFF official had harshly degraded “Kabisera” over the radio. Whatever you call it, that was gross and unethical from no less than an MMFF official himself! Even Nora’s staunch critic Ed de Leon defended her: “In a way, tama ang sinabi ni Nora na kung ang tingin nila sa pelikulang ‘Kabisera’ ay basura, bakit nila isinali pa ito sa MMFF?”
What would I advise that MMFF official and the small-minded critics for the next MMFF to succeed?
Give incentives for willing and able producers like Mother Lily Monteverde to enter more quality films headlined by big-name stars for bigger audiences.
What about a discount for a purchase of an eight-wholesale-ticket package to goad viewers and gain higher earnings for MMFF 2017? (NESTOR CUARTERO)