Not the last word on MMFF 2016
From the start of our selection committee’s relationship with Metro Manila Film Festival ( MMFF) 2016 ExeCom chair Tim Orbos (as MMDA OIC), it became obvious that we had his full support. Much as the head position landed on his lap without his having been part of any of the earlier decisions, he was evidently a man driven by rationality and a sense of fair play. He knew he had to step into his role at no prejudice to the measure of responsibility he had inherited.
In a way, I had enjoyed early awareness of Tim Orbos’ character. As a younger brother of former Executive Secretary thence Pangasinan Governor Oscar Orbos, as well as the popular newspaper columnist Fr. Jerry Orbos, Tim was certainly to the manner of good thinking born. In his earlier days, he was also a partner behind an outstanding advertising agency headed by writer-friends who had already made a mark in the industry.
No surprise then that his first words to us, upon our presentation of our “Magic Eight,” brimmed with full assurance that he’d stand by our choices, controversial for some parties as they were anticipated to become.
Like us, he was cognizant of the fact that the “restructured” MMFF ExeCom had seen fit to effect a major change in the process, simply by amending what had become the traditional criteria for selection. Previous decisions had given much weight to “commercial viability” — the notion that certain popular entertainers headlining an entry, especially if it was the sort that customarily drew movie audiences for its reliance on the genres of comedy, fantasy, horror, would automatically result in mass audience satisfaction. MMFF 2016 blazed a new direction, with artistic and technical excellence awarded primary consideration.
Last week I caught up with MMDA OIC Tim Orbos at a media forum organized by fellow Philippine Star columnist Wilson Lee Flores at his Kamuning Bakery Café. A media legion peppered him with questions for over an hour, initially on the MMFF 2016, then on his myriad challenges as MMDA head.
With the forum over, I had my brief chance to go one-on-one with Tim over lunch. Following are direct quotes from him.
“The MMFF 2016 was undoubtedly successful. I think that we all had a role to play in the totality of things. Sa tingin ko, nagawa natin ang dapat, so okay ho ako dun.
“I was told that reactions on social media had it at 80 percent favorability. Salamat po. That means nakinig tayo sa gusto ng tao, nakita nila yung hinahanap nila na pagbabago.
“Despite the expected downturn in revenue, at least half a billion was still reached, so that we can say that people saw that we made the right choices. Kikita pa ng mas malaki yan sa susunod, sa tingin ko. I’ve heard that the big producers are now determined to come up as well with quality films. That’s one lesson we were aiming for. “The battleground was last yearend. The next challenge is to make more money for the sake of the industry, while maintaining the quality of the films for exclusive screening. Another is to explore the areas of expansion, such as how to bring these films to a global Filipino audience. Yet another is how to make our film products globally competitive. And lastly, to open up the competition to more start-up filmmakers.
“Another lesson for everyone is that there should be no more distinction claimed between so-called indie films and mainstream films. It’s all been just a matter of budgets. The bottom line remains quality.
“With regard Senator Tito Sotto’s Senate resolution, the way I interpret it is that it’s actually a good idea since it will open up the summer fest to young filmmakers. Then for December, di naman niya sinasabing hindi sila kasali, kundi quality pa rin. So it’s all the better for our filmmakers. “Admittedly, we had problems with some theater owners that were uncooperative to a degree, especially those that operated beyond Metro Manila. There was that initial adverse reaction, but sa bandang huli, sila nang nag-alok ng extension. I’m sure that for 2017, mas magiging kasama natin sila. “Regarding the Oro controversy, well, it’s a good lesson for us, not to presume that everything was done properly, although it can’t be said that there was any oversight on anyone’s part. The operating principle was simply good faith. It was why it was selected as one of the quality films, with the assumption that what was implied onscreen was a matter of cinematic depiction.
“Furthermore, contrary to how certain print and social media articles had it, no actual ban or pullout transpired upon the revelation of possible violation of the Animal Welfare law. None of the agencies involved — the MTRCB, CEB, FDCP or the MMFF ExeCom — applied any ban or pullout. The filmmakers agreed to re-edit and resubmit it with a few days left in the festival, but they didn’t do it, so in effect they pulled themselves out. Yun ang usapan, eh. Di nila ginawa. Sila pang nagsalita, eh dapat tumahimik na lamang sana sila.
“All in all, I believe that MMFF 2016 was carried out successfully. Even the mistakes that happened were part of the process. And hopefully, it is our children, the younger people, who will benefit from it. Wag na lang sigurong mawala sa consciousness ng lahat.” Those were MMFF 2016 ExeCom chair Tim Orbos’ positive words. They certainly won’t be the last on the matter. As I write this, I’ve received an invitation to attend a Senate hearing tomorrow, to be conducted by Sen. Grace Poe, that will discuss Sen. Sotto’s resolution. While initial reactions expressed concern that the hearing would simply back up the resolution, we have it on good authority that everyone involved will be given the opportunity to express their opinions.
We of the selection committee have actually written our individual post-mortem evaluations and proposed suggestions. These have been put together by our chair, Dr. Nic Tiongson. With the invite we have all received to attend the Senate hearing, I’ve been tasked to write our position paper on that resolution. If my draft gains collegial approval, then it may also be submitted in time for tomorrow’s hearing, where I understand that most of my fellow selection committee members will be present.