In preparation for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Brillante Mendoza had an exclusive screening of his new film Mindanao last December 9, 2019 at The Podium, Directors Club in Mandaluyong.
The 2 pm screening was mostly for the press, bloggers, and production after which there was a simple awarding ceremony —having been unable to attend the 41st Cairo International Film Festival, it was only at this moment that Judy Ann was able to formally receive her Best Actress Award trophy, and Brillante Mendoza the Best Artistic Contribution Award trophy for Mindanao.
The media were given the chance to interview Mendoza, Judy Ann Santos, Allen Dizon and Yuna Tangog about their roles and experiences during the shooting of the film Mindanao.
Several members of the production team and those from Mendoza’s very own Center Stage Productions came and helped facilitate the event.
For both screenings, specially the second one which started at 6 pm, it was very surprising that when I entered one of the three cinema rooms it was filled to the brim that people were already seated on the stairs. The second was specially for the invited celebrities, producers, directors, actors and actresses and other guests. These include Judy Ann Santos’ close friend (the) Sharon Cuneta, Laurice Guillen, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Kidlat Tahimik, Chanda Romero, Kechup Eusebio, Zanjoe Marudo, Alma Concepcion, Ina Feleo, Agot Isidro, Zig Dulay, Law Fajardo, Jim Libiran, Wilson Tieng and many others. This may seem like a simple list of names without Mr or Ms but of course they are who they are, and we are aware that aside from being actors or directors they are known for excelling in other positions in the industry, and to see them come together to watch and support Mindanao says much about their respect for the craft and their fellow filmmakers.
Ryan Agoncillo, still in dusty boots and handsomely tired all the way from Pampanga made sure to arrive at The Podium and support his wife’s film. Now that is a committed husband.
It is an unspoken but respected rule—a courtesy, although often forgotten by many— that photos of celebrities that will be published and released to the public must show them at their best, and this is very reasonable for aside from talent, appearance matters in their occupation; however, what can we do—when after watching Mindanao these fabulous people came out quite puffy-eyed and sniffling because the film made them cry?
Ms. Sharon Cuneta was one of those who were visibly moved by Mindanao as evidenced by the tear-stained tissues nearby.
Here is one of the guest directors who automatically has a Ms before here name—Bb. Joyce Bernal (puffy-eyed too) with Mindanao‘s writer, Ms. Honee Alipio and friend Linda Bansil.
A lively group picture including Allen Dizon, Sue Prado, Directors Lawrence Fajardo (Imbisibol), Brillante Mendoza, Zig Dulay (Liway), Jim Libiran and Diego Dobles, the editor of Mindanao.
The special screening was also honored by the presence of Madam Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin- Hataman of Isabela, Basilan who kindly and readily expressed her positive opinion about the film Mindanao. Like Saima, she exudes strength, gentleness and intelligence and is a very articulate speaker.
The consensus was unanimous—locally or internationally the respect and recognitions received by the film Mindanao are well-deserved.
The hours passed by very quickly at the Directors Club that night— the viewers came out of the theater with a bit of heartache but content, the fans got to see and take photos of their idols, the directors of different genres came together, the celebrities felt something wonderful and different —Mindanao’s special screening was a success; aside from thanking those who made the event happen, those who took part in creating the film, we should also thank those who took the time to attend and show their support —too many to mention, but all equally appreciated.
Mindanao is coming to the theaters near you on Dec 25. Don’t miss it! Here is a link from Solar Pictures where you can watch it:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/solar-pictures/mindanaothemovie-in-cinemas-dec-25/3027956830566038/
to be continued…
***any respectful correction regarding this article will be received and considered.
One Philippines Filmmakers 