Long have our Filipino filmmakers been recognized and praised in the international film arena for producing first-rate and exceptional films that unveil socio-political illnesses. This year, they are set to bring pride to the country after 22 Filipino films were selected for screening at the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) Virtual Events 2020.
Amid the pandemic, the IFFM committee has decided to push through the festival online from November 19 to 22, 2020.
According to Luis Pedron, Festival Director and Co-founder of the IFMM, the decision to shift the festival online was primarily because of the imposition of lockdowns and travel bans in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Furthermore, there is also an ongoing lack of live events in New York, the festival’s site.
Despite the current pandemic, the New York-based festival will continue its pledge to give many filmmakers across the world an opportunity to share their talents in filmmaking. With this year’s theme, “Digital Hope,” the IFMM Virtual Events aims to reach a broader audience beyond the borders of Manhattan New York.
Presented by LFP International Production Inc and co-presented by Tagline International, Oncue Media, and Binary, the festival will cover controversial and riveting topics like mental health issues, pandemic-related stories, health care system, senior issues, war, crimes, and beauty standards.
All selected Filipino films will be screened along with other world-class films. Other countries that participate in the festival include the USA, Canada, Bulgaria, Estonia, India, Japan, Colombia, Spain, Germany, Macau, China, Russia, Italy, Myanmar, Tibet, Austria, and Switzerland.
International Film Festival Manhattan is known for championing cultural diversity in films. The festival is committed to exploring all opportunities to promote filmmakers’ works and visions and showcase entertaining and diverse films in all genres and scopes.
Award-winning Filipino Director Louie Ignacio will be this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awardee, while the Posthumous Award will be conferred to Master Director Gerry Balasta, who passed away last March 2020 because of the COVID-19 virus.
The following are the Filipino films that were selected, among the hundreds of submissions, for IFMM 2020:
Feature Film
Latay (Battered Husband)
Director: Ralston Jover
Starring: Allen Dizon, Lovi Poe, Snooky Serna, Mariel de Leon and Diane Alvaro
Documentary Films
1. In Paglayag A Sulu Story by Rhadem Morados
2. Maglabay Ra In Sakit (The Pain Will Ease) by Mijan Jumalon
3. Kagitingan (Valor) by 1Lt Balaram S. Tamayo
Short Films
1. Biyaheng Madilim (A Night’s Journey) by Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio
2. Sulyap (The Glance) by Geraldo Jumawan, Win Suarez Compendio
3. Garbo (Pride) by Alan Filoteo
4. Tuta (Lapdog) by Nadyn Estacio, Celina Makani
5. Sa Apat Na Sulok by Scarlet Mendoza
6. Kulong The Lockdown Story by Michael Daya
7. Filius (Son) by Justin Allen Caspulso
8. Padayon (Keep Going) by Clanche Dayve Belleza
9. ANX by Jorge Bryan Marquez
10. LOL by Mark Justine Aguillon
Quarancine Film Festival Top 3 Winners (Short Films)
1. Sa Pag Uwi by Melchor Borja
2. Namnama En Lolang (Grandmother’s Hope) by Jonnie Lyn Dasalla
3. Blue Room Feelings by Ruka Azuma
Filipino American Filmmakers in the Festival
Feature Films
1. Take Out Girl by Hisonni Johnson (produced by MJ Del Rosario)
2. Karma the Movie by Ricardo Catalan Jr.
3. Unspoken by Daryl Denner (produced by Rodney Reyes)
Short Films
1. Fish Head by Marcos Durian
2. House Rules by Girard Tecson
The IFFM Virtual Events 2020 Schedule of events and tickets will be announced on www.IFFMNYC.com.
For more online streamings, visit Cinema Centenario’s MOOV.
