Los Angeles, California — Three Filipino movies are slated for a VIP screening and reception at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard. The event is set to mark the inaugural launch of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) on November 2.
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, the films selected for the screening were originally featured during the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in April. The titles include "About Us But Not About Us," which won the best picture award at the Summer MMFF, "Here Comes the Groom," and "Love You Long Time."
The premiere event will host a red-carpet VIP reception and offer attendees the chance to engage in a meet-and-greet with the filmmakers and stars of the featured films. A question-and-answer segment about the MIFF will also be included in the program.
MMDA acting chair and concurrent MMFF chair Don Artes stated that the MIFF aims to showcase the quality of Filipino films on a global stage. The festival also seeks to connect the Philippine entertainment sector with Hollywood and the international community, according to Artes.
Tickets for the event are available in two categories: a single movie pass priced at USD60 and an all-movie pass with VIP lounge access priced at USD249. Tickets can be purchased on the official MIFF website, manilainternationalfilmfest.com.
Among the expected guests are award-winning Filipino actresses Hilda Koronel and Pinky De Leon. The event will also feature cast members from the movies being screened, including actors Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren from "Here Comes the Groom," director Jun Lana and actor Romnick Sarmenta from "About Us But Not About Us," and director JP Habac and actress Eisel Serrano from "Love You Long Time."
The next MIFF screening is scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2, 2024. The event will feature ten films from the 49th MMFF, which will be screened nationwide during the holiday season.