BEYOND BUDGET
Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was undeniably historic, marking its 50th year as a cornerstone of Philippine cinema. This milestone wasn’t just a celebration of the past but also a bold step forward, showcasing the evolution of Filipino storytelling and its ability to tackle timely and universal themes.
With a lineup that showcased both emerging and established filmmakers, the festival moved beyond conventional crowd-pleasers to deliver meaningful and thought-provoking narratives. This reaffirmed the MMFF’s role as a cultural institution that goes beyond entertainment, serving as a platform that inspires and essentially unites the nation.
I wholeheartedly agree with Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes when he said that the standards of the annual film festival have significantly elevated. He noted improvements in “the quality of entries, inclusivity, the revival of the Student Short Film Festival in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, as well as advancements in education, promotions, subsidies for block screenings, talk back sessions, and even the trophies, awards, parade, and overall conduct of activities.”
I can attest to this firsthand, having participated as a juror for this year’s MMFF. My involvement in the cultural event was made even more special by the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional panel of judges.
The Board of Jurors (BOJ) comprised 13 distinguished individuals, each contributing their distinct insights for a thorough and balanced evaluation process. Led by Jury Chairperson Mr. Nicanor Tiongson, a respected academic and Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Film Institute, and supported by Co-Chairperson Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and chief executive officer of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the team was well-equipped for the job.
As the vice chair, I sought to incorporate a government perspective into the assessment. On the other hand, as someone who enjoys watching movies, I embraced the task with a genuine passion for celebrating the creative works that enrich our culture.
The BOJ further consisted of prominent figures from the local film landscape, including acclaimed actor John Arcilla, Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna, writer-director Roy Iglesias, film reviewer Evylene Advincula, producer Wilson Tieng, and award-winning cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily, whose technical knowledge deepened the discussions.
Rounding out the group were businessman and columnist Thomas Orbos, legal expert Atty. Cesar Ona Jr., film journalist Marinel Cruz, and iAcademy Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong, whose financial background provided a unique lens on the industry’s economic aspects.
This diverse mix of professionals and stakeholders fostered a democratic and informed judging process, which I believe led to a well-rounded selection of award recipients.
Over the course of two days, we immersed ourselves in all 10 entries, diving headfirst into each story's world. Every film offered something different, sparking lively exchanges that revealed the diverse viewpoints of the board.
These conversations laid the groundwork for thoughtful and inclusive deliberation—a beautiful blend of head and heart, reminiscent of the balancing act in governance, where tough decisions are guided by empathy and principle.
We delved into the nuances of cinematography, direction, and storytelling, marveling at the vibrant creativity flourishing in our country. However, as Briones-Meily emphasized in her remarks on the festival's core values, the interests of the audience must remain the primary focus of our selection criteria.
When the final votes were cast in secret, the anticipation brought to mind the tension of budget deliberations—the hope that every decision made would resonate with the public’s needs and aspirations.
When the winners were announced during the Gabi ng Parangal on Dec. 27, the applause confirmed that our choices aligned with the audience’s expectations. This reinforced the importance of inclusive and transparent decision-making.
Overall, my MMFF experience reminded me of the open governance agenda our administration is earnestly pushing. At its core, the goal is to better serve the Filipino people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are prioritized.
Looking back, the MMFF became more than a night of cinematic brilliance, but a reflection of how open governance principles can be embedded in all facets of life. From public service to cultural endeavors, success requires collaboration and an unwavering commitment to deliver on our purpose—to serve the people.
(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)
