Reflections on ‘Firefly’
THE story of “Firefly,” the emerging Best Picture of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), simply began with a wish to secure a spot in the festival lineup last year amid an abundance of outstanding films. But even as the enchanting GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs co-production made the cut, it initially had limited screenings across a few cinemas.
The excellent motion picture that it is, however, reviews that were soon published and comments posted on social media not only reinstated “Firefly” back in cinemas but propelled it toward the top prize with a bonus of earning the Best Child Performer award for Euwenn Mikaell.
The story didn’t end there because, as everyone knows, from being the silent underdog to the big winner, “Firefly” continued its victorious streak abroad, sweeping the majority of awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California, including the highly-coveted Best Picture.
At a recent victory party-cum-media conference, producer Nessa Valdellon happily remarked, “’Firefly’ has definitely achieved significant milestones for GMA Pictures. It reaffirms our commitment to creating credible and beautiful works reminiscent of our past successes like ‘Jose Rizal,’ ‘Muro Ami,’ and ‘Deathrow.”
Angeli Atienza, GMA Public Affairs SAVP and creator of ‘Firefly,’ meanwhile expressed the rewarding aspect of sparking discussions and emotional responses among viewers: “At the heart of filmmaking lies the power to evoke profound emotions and ignite meaningful conversations. Witnessing the audience’s visceral reactions and heartfelt reflections validates the essence of our storytelling.
“In crafting ‘Firefly,’ our intention was to create more than just a film; we wanted to offer a transformative experience that resonated with viewers on a deep emotional level. The opportunity to provoke thought, stir emotions, and inspire empathy is what drives us as storytellers,” Atienza added.
“Firefly” also clinched Best Screenplay, Best Director for Zig Dulay, and Best Supporting Actress for Alessandra de Rossi at the MIFF Awards Night last February 3. The MIFF aims to promote Filipino cinema to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art internationally. De Rossi, who could not attend the celebration, expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to depart from her usual romantic roles.
“I am immensely thankful for the recognition bestowed upon ‘Firefly’ and the chance to explore roles outside the confines of romantic narratives. It’s a privilege to be part of a project that resonates deeply with audiences and challenges the boundaries of storytelling,” she conveyed. Her fellow winner, Director Dulay, emphasized the film’s impact on the audience, stating: “The film achieved its purpose beyond expectations. When we embarked on this journey, our aim was to craft a narrative that would resonate deeply with viewers, transcend mere entertainment and delve into the complexities of human emotion.
“Winning at the MIFF was an unexpected but gratifying bonus, affirming that our story had struck a chord with audiences on an international stage. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and inspire change. As a filmmaker, there’s no greater reward than knowing that your work has touched lives and left a lasting impression.” “Firefly” also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Epy Quizon) and Actress (Cherry Pie Picache) at MIFF, along with a nomination for Best Cinematography (Neil Daza).
Following its Best Picture win, the ‘Firefly’ team secured a $200,000 co-producing package for a US-based feature film from Birns and Sawyer.
Beyond the growing accolades of this truly touching and Filipino obra, what its makers are immensely grateful for with “Firefly” is for reigniting their desire to make more compelling movies, not only to enrich and inspire the lives of Filipinos but anyone around the world who is a fan of humanity and a great, great story.