Brillante Mendoza Film Festival at SM Fairvew

Wazzup Pilipinas!

By now everyone significant in the movie industry knows who Independent Film (Indie) director Brillante Mendoza is, and how his films has changed the viewpoint of many people regarding what we all know as "Indie" films.

Indie Films are those that are financially challenged in terms of production but are mostly intellectually-inclined and geared towards higher reasoning and appreciation of the arts - specifically in movie-making.

When before the stars or actors of the Indie films are mostly unknown, popular stars could now be also seen gracing the films as either main star or cameo roles.

It was even evident from the previous Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2016) how Indie films made it to the line-up of much-awaited but controversial Christmas season film festival led by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on December 25, 2016 which was dubbed as a #Reelvolution where the usual movies from seasoned comedians didn't made it through the selection of the board.

This must be the time when Indie films are thoroughly recognized as quality films eventhough it lacks the monetary backing of a big time producer.

 

In honor of the most famous Indie Film director, SM Fairview held a Brillante Mendoza Film Festival. A media launch was held a day before the event and was graced by the man himself, along side other important VIPs from the city of Quezon City in the presence of Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, and a representative of SM Mart Inc. SVP Marketing Communications Group Millie Dizon.

There were also other VIPs present who were awarded certifications in honor of their support for the community. Also joining us were several schools represented by students and their heads of which were also given recognition.

Aside from the media, even the students got the chance to ask questions directly to the famous Indie film director.

Below is the official press release of the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival at SM Fairvew:

Mallgoers will have the rare opportunity to view internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza’s award winning film Ma’ Rosa and to meet the filmmaker up close during the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival at the SM City Fairview.

The festival will showcase Director Mendoza’s multi-award winning films Ma’ Rosa with a special film appreciation workshop. The festival had students as its primary audience, paving the way for a new generation of film enthusiasts.

The film follows the story of MA' ROSA’s family. She had four children. She owns a small convenience store in a poor neighborhood of Manila where everybody likes her. To make ends meet, Rosa and her husband, Nestor, resell small amounts of narcotics on the side. One day, they get arrested. Rosa’s children are ready to do anything to buy their parents’ freedom from the corrupt police.

Another highlight of the festival is the Film Appreciation Workshop after the Ma’ Rosa screening. In the hour long workshop, the audience gets a glimpse of the different elements – acting, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting - that went into this magnificent film as discussed by no less than Director Brillante Mendoza himself. The aim of the activity is to guide the audience in understanding and appreciating the film Ma’ Rosa as a medium of art and communications.

A launch attended by prominent members of the local community -government officials, school officials and students, and film enthusiasts - was held the day before the festival. During the program, SM City Fairview paid tribute to Director Mendoza for the many honors he has brought the country, and members of the media had the chance to interview him up close.

The Brillante Mendoza Film Festival is one of the many exciting projects of the SM malls and cinemas.