No ‘effing’ way.
This was how high-profile lawyer Ferdinand Topacio aired his disagreement to comedian Vice Ganda’s having beaten actor Piolo Pascual for the best actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
In a press conference, Topacio also sought for the MMFF handling to be transferred from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to certain bodies that really have knowledge about the movie industry.
According to Topacio, the acting of Vice Ganda in his film entry “Call Me Mother” is okay, “pero over Piolo? No way, no way, no effing way,” adding that Pascual’s film ‘Manila’s Finest’ was ‘ignored.’
The famous lawyer, who himself is a film producer, lamented that ‘the MMFF has not contributed anything to film excellence.
“Lately, the problem is that the MMFF had been placed in the hands of people who know nothing about making movies. In fact, it is even legally questionable— check their charter, wala sa functions ng MMDA ang pagpapatakbo ng film festival,” Topacio stressed.
He also sought reforms beginning with placing the MMFF under the National Historical Commission on Culture and the Arts of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, saying these bodies know better when it comes to the movie industry.
“Dapat, ‘yung nakakaalam talaga,” he stated, adding that under the MMDA, there is the LGU (local government unit) whose emphasis is gross income due to its share, thus the emphasis is gross over greatness, resulting in mediocrity prevailing during festivals.
“This is supposed to be a festival. There are films for every taste —me malalim, me mababaw pero pag festival, utang na loob naman, give us the best,” Topacio sighed, as he cited big festivals like Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and Venice where meaningful or quality films are being produced.
