(From left) Boots Anson-Rodrigo and Gina Alajar during the MMFF and MIFF contract signing. Images: Facebook/Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Official While Boots Anson-Rodrigo and Gina Alajar are aware that Filipinos are turning to streaming, they hoped that the experience of watching films in a theater wouldn’t be forgotten. Anson-Rodrigo and Alajar were present at the contract signing ceremony among the Movie Workers’ Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund)— a nonprofit organization for members of the entertainment industry— the MMFF, and Manila International Film Fest (MIFF), to celebrate the opening of the film festival’s 50th anniversary.
Aside from the annual MMFF, some of its activities include the Golden Gala on November 11 and “Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta” screenings, among many others. “It’s really a big challenge,” Anson-Rodrigo told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)’s contract signing event when asked about the rise of streaming services.
Anson-Rodrigo, Mowelfund chairperson, said she understood the convenience of watching films on a streaming platform. However, she believes it should be a reminder to filmmakers to improve the quality and marketing of Filipino films. “We want to thank MMFF and Cinemalaya, and all those who mount film festivals since they help in fostering the public’s reception of films.
It’s okay to watch through streaming but I hope theater won’t be forgotten,” she said. Mowelfund executi.