Baguio City, Philippines – A thriving film industry is being groomed in the Mountain City.
On its 4th year, the Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) presents 24 finalists in the Narrative, Documentaries, Mobile Phone Films categories from all over the country, converging in a display of creativity from march 16 to 24, 2024 in venues all over the city.
Ferdie Balanag, founder of the MFF shares culture, arts and heritage is reflected in films which taps in potentials in tourism, trade and ultimately in the creative economy.
“We are creating the industry here in the Cordillera, veering away from the Manila – centric mentality,” he said.
The 4th MFF is themed, “Building Bridges Beyond Boundaries,” which aims to transcend physical and cultural barriers, inviting audiences to explore diverse narratives and experiences from around the globe.
The list of mentors includes Harlene Bautista, Paolo Villaluna, Jade Castro, Jet Leyco, Ditsi Carolino, Nico Hernandez, Arjanmar Rebeta, Tristan Cua, and Arvin Belarmino. At the helm of the mentorship program are Competition Director Emmanuel ’Ibonman’ Dela Cruz, FD Balanag, and Events and Festival Lead Organizer Raymond Sakiwat.
MFF official entries of the mobile films category include: “Your Whisper Is What I Miss” by Daniel Sanchez, “Kahon” by Donetha Merka, “Lingling-O” by Huey Javier, “Kabunian’s Gong” by laego Villanueva, “Time Before Kevin” by Raine Gado, “Old World” by Roland Cartagena, “Sabi ng Nanay ko Masama ang Tsismis” by Seth Dela Lana, “Manwingi” by Yuiane Cacay
While MMF official entries of the narrative films category have: “Mahirap ang Makinarya, Banal ang may Kita” by Florence Anne Taiño, “Time Out” by Jadrien Morales, “Sinanbituwon” by Katherine Mae Nobleza, “Hosanna” by Kent Michael Cadungog, “Transients” by Kyla Danelle Romero, “Wata a Marawi” by Ram Esteban Estael.
MFF official entries of the documentary films category include: “Sino’t Saan” by AC Maria, “Tuhon” by Charley Sta. Maria, “Sketsa na Dagupan” by Charlmagne Christian Ramoso, “My Boy Superman” by Jonathan Jurilla, “Dolor” by Joshua Lomahan, “Siete (Seven Pesos)” by Leonard Billones, “Ino” by Ranniel Semana, “Zanjera” by Romel Pascua
A new addition. Animation and Children’s Films are added to have an exhibition of award-winning pieces.
MFF2024 lead partner, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its esteemed Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division (CCP FBNMD), is set to captivate audiences through a showcase of award-winning local films and speakers through CCPA’s renowned outreach program – Lakbay Sine, Cine Icons, and Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) – which aim to bring the magic of cinema to diverse communities, organizations, and campuses. Through these initiatives, CCP endeavors to promote Filipino filmmakers’ outstanding works among younger audiences.
There will also be a series of free public screenings like the MFF Best of the Best and Cordillera School of Digital Arts (CSDA) Anima sa Montañosa at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center Basement, Error 404 Film Premiere by Take One – Vivistop Baguio, and the most awaited MFF 2024 films in-competition public screenings at the SM City Baguio.
Another highlight of the festival is SineMusikain: the MFF movie, music, and food fair, which will feature local musicians and culinary experiences. CCP’s CUTS takes center stage at SineMusikain, offering free public screenings of a selection of notable films at the Burnham Park Rose Garden.
To be launched on March 22 at SM Sky Terrace is MFF’s “Sine Ibayo,” an international film program participated in by various embassies. The launching of Sine Ibayo will immediately be followed by a Filmmakers Forum and Fellowship attended by past and present filmmakers and participants of the festival. For horror enthusiasts, the MFF offers “SineSindak” on March 21-22, a Midnight Film Screening held at the infamous Diplomat Hotel, where the audience will immerse themselves in the films and the ambiance of the venue.
The MFF2024 Awards Night is slated for March at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay. The festival will award the winners of the MFF2024 films in a competition carefully assessed this year by the festival’s esteemed grand jury headed by acclaimed Filipino Film Director Pepe Diokno and composed of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, acclaimed film and television director and producer Joyce Bernal, award-winning film director Zig Dulay, and seasoned Filipino actor Dingdong Dantes. Capping MFF2024 and SineMusikain at the Rose Garden on March 24 is the 2nd Baguio Folk Music Festival, which will showcase local musical talents.
The first MFF was held in 2021, which gave locals a breather from the pandemic, offering outdoor activities and film showing, proceeds of the inaugural film festival funded Good ACTS (Artists, Craftspeople, and Tourism Support), a community initiative of mutual support among the city’s artists amid the pandemic. By Maria Elena Catajan