Sen. Tito Sotto reacts to MMFF’s ‘rule reversal’

Maureen Marie Belmonte

<img src='' alt='110616-TitoSotto_PUSH.jpg' width='400' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III aired the grievances of small and independent film production outfits regarding the Metro Manila Film Festival committee’s recent statement.Contrary to their previous announcement that they would only accept finished films, MMFF made a special announcement on Facebook page last October 26.According to their post, they would be accepting entries that have been completed up to the “picture lock stage.” This means that the chosen films can still make “enhancements” to their films.'However, any revision to a film's edit after it has been selected will result in the disqualification from the festival,' the MMFF added.The Senator, a former actor, considers the announcement a “relaxation” on the already established new rules.He even went as far as airing the concern of the indie producers who are taking part in the MMFF shorts category.“Ang sinasabi ng indie producers, 'Bakit mo tutulungan iyong hindi sumunod sa rules at 'di nakatapos, kaming maliliit ang tulungan ninyo!’' he lamented.The MMFF committee faced a major controversy last year after director Erik Matti raised concerns about the disqualification of his entry Honor Thy Father in the Best Picture category.

'However, any revision to a film's edit after it has been selected will result in the disqualification from the festival,' the MMFF added.The Senator, a former actor, considers the announcement a “relaxation” on the already established new rules.He even went as far as airing the concern of the indie producers who are taking part in the MMFF shorts category.“Ang sinasabi ng indie producers, 'Bakit mo tutulungan iyong hindi sumunod sa rules at 'di nakatapos, kaming maliliit ang tulungan ninyo!’' he lamented.The MMFF committee faced a major controversy last year after director Erik Matti raised concerns about the disqualification of his entry Honor Thy Father in the Best Picture category.

<img src='' alt='110616-TitoSotto_PUSH.jpg' width='400' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III aired the grievances of small and independent film production outfits regarding the Metro Manila Film Festival committee’s recent statement.Contrary to their previous announcement that they would only accept finished films, MMFF made a special announcement on Facebook page last October 26.According to their post, they would be accepting entries that have been completed up to the “picture lock stage.” This means that the chosen films can still make “enhancements” to their films.

MMFF’s recent announcement did not sit well on the actor-turned-lawmaker.

Sen. Tito Sotto reacts to MMFF’s ‘rule reversal’ | PUSH.COM.PH