MMFF 2014 Guide: 5 Indie Films in New Wave Category

Dubbed as the independent portion of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the New Wave category features five new full length films from upcoming filmmakers, most of which have joined (and won!) international film festivals prior to MMFF.

Emerging from more than 100 submissions from the four categories (three others, namely: student short films, cinephone, and animation films), the finalists will be shown from Dec. 17 to 24 at Glorietta 4 and SM Megamall cinemas. Aside from that, these five full length films will also have Metro Manila screenings in at least 20 theaters next year.

Excited to see the new breed?

Check out the entries below!

M. (Mother’s Maiden Name) by Director Zig Dulay

Zsa Zsa Padilla and Nico Antonio

Starring: Zsa Zsa Padilla, with Nico Antonio, Gloria Sevilla, Dennis Padilla, Micko Laurente

Synopsis: Madam Bella (Zsa Zsa Padilla) has pancreatic cancer, stage 4 and it’s treatable but not curable.’ She asks her son Joven (Nico Antonio), who is outwardly detached, to be with her throughout the medication. In the midst of chemotherapy sessions, Joven begins to realize his mother’s behavior and disposition. Despite being a stern owner of Monteclaro Law Firm and a strict mother, Bella is a woman of courage, fighting predicaments not just for herself but most especially for her son. As Joven understands his mother’s personality, he finds his own identity. And as they shape individuality, we get a glimpse of the image of the ailing health care system in and outside the hospital.

 Trivia: M. is Zsa Zsa Padilla’s first indie film.

Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker) by Director Jason Paul Laxamana

Starring: Allen Dizon, Gladys Reyes, Emilio Garcia, and Felixia Christen Dizon

Synopsis: Magkakabaung is the story of a neglectful father haunted by a mixture of guilt and remorse over the death of his eight year-old daughter. Eager to move on with his life, he finds it hard not only to have his daughter’s body buried, but also to bury his culpability as the person behind his daughter’s death.

Trivia: Magkakabaung features Allen’s real-life 8-year old daughter, Felixia Christen. The film recently took home the Best Actor award for Allen Dizon and Best Asian Film award in the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) bracket of the 3rd Hanoi International Film Festival. Allen Dizon also won Best Actor at the 9th Harlem International Film Festival.

Maratabat (Pride and Honor) by Director Arlyn Dela Cruz

It’s been a while since I last saw Elizabeth Oropesa

Starring: Ping Medina, Elizabeth Oropesa, Julio Diaz, Chanel Latore, Kristoffer King

Synopsis: When the people of Maratabat finally realize that their time under the corrupt politician clan of the Abubakars has to come to an end— a series of violent acts occur one after another. The people rally behind another clan –the Mahardikas – to end the violence and place a new leader in their region. Will the Mahardikas choose a path of violence or peace? Will it be for honor or will it be for pride?

Trivia: Maratabat is the directorial debut of Arlyn Dela Cruz.

Mulat (Awaken) by Director Diane Ventura

Starring: Jake Cuenca, Ryan Eigenmann, and Loren Burgos

Synopsis: Sam decides to break off her engagement and leave her tumultuous relationship behind after a brief but life altering experience. She resolves to focus on finding herself, her peace of mind and happiness and in the process she meets Jake, the man of her dreams. Everything seems perfect until she starts experiencing hallucinations and recurring nightmares that prompt her to question her own sanity.  

 Starring: Sheena Mcbride, Bridgette Mcbride, Mon Confiado, Alvin Anson, Lance Raymundo, and Sarah Gaugler

Synopsis: Julia, a psychiatric patient is tormented by her demons. Stricken by guilt and fear, she seeks the help of Manuel, a mysterious police detective, to save her from Judith, her estranged evil twin sister who wants her dead. As Julia and Manuel track Judith down and solve the crime that the twins committed years back, the film spirals down to a mind boggling ride as the truth of Julia’s nightmarish dark past unravels.

Trivia: Gemini had its its World Premiere at the 18th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (World Fantastic Cinema Section) in South Korea.

What will you be watching?