Dondon Monteverde , Reality Entertainment CEO, made a statement regarding the recent fiasco on the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Last December 27, he released a letter of ‘Thank You’ to MMFF for disqualifying the movie ‘Honor Thy Father’ and says that it has become a most unexpected blessing, as more prople are talking about the film, but also more importantly the state of the industry.
He also thanked all those who showed their support through Twitter, Facebook, all the bloggers, news outlets in social media and even the movie going public especially those who support ‘Honor Thy Father.’ He said that through all these, he gained confidence and the ‘guts’ to continue on.
Towards the end of his letter, he’s inviting all those who believe in the ‘cause’ to gather in the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex at 9:30am for the filing of the resolution to the Congressman with actor Dan Fernandez.
Below is the copy of his message in the social media account of ‘Honor Thy Father.’
Mr. Monteverde was so displeased with the letter he received from the Metro Manila Film Festival’s Executive Committee decision to disqualify the film ‘Honor Thy Father’ from the Best picture category. According to the letter , the disqualification case’s main reason was the “non-disclosure” of their participation in the ‘Cinema One Originals Film Festival’ as the Opening Film.
The allegation was justified by Mr. Monteverde that they submitted all the requirements of the MMFF Committee for the participation of their movie in Cinema One. He recalled that, ‘Honor Thy Father’ was a late addition to the MMFF 2015 and was rejected by their committee when the lineup of the movies for the festival was announced in June. After the film entry pulled out of the festival , it was on October 23 that the film was offered a slot, but by then they already accepted the invitation of Cinema One to screen as the opening film.
Mr. Monteverde added that they informed the MMFF Secretariat by phone, emails and also complied to secure a letter from Cinema One Head, Ronald Arguelles attesting that their film was by invitation only and non revenue generating , and all of this are on record.
Another thing is, each MMFF entry is allowed to have a maximum of 2 (two) premieres and their film screening at Cinema One was their premiere. Dondon also reiterated that they did not commit any ‘non-disclosure’ case and neither the movie commit any violation against the ruling of the MMFF.
Mr Monteverde demands an explanation regarding the disqualification reasons, timing and the decisions made without giving any chance to present their side. Mr Monteverde also questioned why they were disqualified on a selected category only thereby the decision looks like they were biased and have an alledged protected interest.
As for them, they will keep on making movies that people will care with or without MMFF.
” We made a movie about a Filipino struggle for the back breaking realities and limitations of life, a Filipino who finally fights back after so much oppression and confronts those who made his life so miserable and expose those who enjoys greed and lust for power, and little did I know that the same narrative will find it’s way to the film’s own history,” Dondon Monterverde openly shares.
“It s a sad day for the industry, it should never be this way” he said . He want the Filipinos , all of us to do something about it and break our silence to end this, as this would certainly destroy our film industry.
Today, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, filed an urgent resolution calling for the congressional inquiry into the disqualification of the MMFF film entry, Honor Thy Father from being nominated for the Best Picture category.
According to Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, who also chaired House Committee on Metro Manila development said that they will treat this as an urgent matter and the committee is authorized to launch hearings on the issue even during the holiday break.
Dondon Monterverde together with lead actor and co-producer John Lloyd and Director/Producer Eric Matti demands an explanation and investigation on this, and he added if no one bothered to do something about this, they simply wish the Filipino people would start to question and analyze if what is being presented to them is true or not.
This is a wake up call for the award giving body to fix themselves up. A damaged reputation will linger, it is now on their hands to regain again the Filipinos faith and trust even if it will take months , or even years to achieve, but with dedication and willingness to restore it , it will not be impossible.
