‘Firefly’ screens in UAE, US
GLOBAL Pinoys and other movie enthusiasts abroad are in for a bright treat as the highly-acclaimed Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture winner ‘Firefly’ hits the cinemas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and California, USA this month. GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs furthered their reach on the global stage when “Firefly’ opened to international audiences in the United Arab Emirates on January 18.
Moviegoers in Dubai, can still catch the movie at Reel Cinema Dubai Mall, Novo Dragon Mart, Novo Megaplex IBN, Vox Burjuman Center, Vox City Center Deira, and Star Al Ghurair Center. There will also be a showing at Star Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, Novo Manar in Rak, Star Grand Mall in Ajman, and Star Al Ain Cineplex in Al Ain.
A special advance screening rolled out the UAE showings on January 17 during a well-attended event at the Al Ghurair Center. Besides the Middle East, “Firefly” will continue its international tour to reach moviegoers in the US, as the film joins the Metro Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California from January 30 to February 2.
The US screening will be held at TCL Chinese 6 theaters on January 30 (5Z55 p.m.) and February 1 (3 p.m.), and at the DGA Film Complex on February 2 (12 pm). In the Philippines, ‘Firefly’ emerged as the powerful underdog at the 49th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal held on December 27, besting nine other entries and taking home three highly-coveted major awards, including the Best Picture nod.
GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and ‘Firefly’ creator Angeli Atienza won in the Best Screenplay category, while Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell took home the Best Child Actor award. Led by esteemed director Zig Dulay, “Firefly” intertwines hopes, dreams, and family, as it tells the story of Tonton and his journey to finding the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.
The film features a distinguished cast, top-billed by award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi, who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 49th MMFF for her role as Elay – Tonton’s mother. Joining Alessandra are Dingdong Dantes and Epy Quizon, who were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
Completing the stellar cast are fan-favorite actors and actresses Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Kokoy de Santos, and Max Collins.
Besides the UAE and Los Angeles, California, “Firefly” is also expected to be made available in other parts of the US and Asia very soon.