It is already a ritual for Filipino moviegoers to go to the nearest cinema to catch a movie included at the Metro Manila Film Festival. The line-up is comprised of mainstream films from different genres. Most of these films want to attract the younger audience. It is also a perfect opportunity to bond with the family.
Two years ago, the Metro Manila Film Festival Committee launched the ‘New Wave’ section, wherein five independent films get the chance to showcase their works a week before Christmas Day. Last year, the movie Pintakasi won the Best Indie Film Award.
For this year, MMFF New Wave presents five independent films from different genres. I was able to catch two yesterday: In Nomine Matris (In The Name of the Mother) by Will Fredo and Paglaya sa Tanikala (Freedom From Chains) by Michael Angelo Dagnalan. I went to Glorietta 4 after our Family lunch reunion just to watch these two films. How I wish they allot more screenings in other cinemas like what they do for the mainstream line-up.
First, let me share my thoughts on Michael Angelo Dagnalan’s Paglaya sa Tanikala (Freedom From Chains).