On January 4, actor Paulo Avelino, who was 2020’s MMFF best actor, expressed his dismay over the cold reception of the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as it returned to cinemas on December 25 last year.
During the media conference for the finale of Marry Me Marry You, Avelino said it saddens him that it is still challenging for moviegoers to go to cinemas with the new variant.
“We eventually have to start somewhere. It’s hard to get people back in cinemas, especially with the new variant out. But, we really have to start somewhere. And it saddens me na ang hirap pa rin mag-convince ng tao manood sa sinehan. Pero syempre, safety muna ng mga kababayan muna natin.”
He also noted the efforts of the MMFF committee in revitalizing the cinema industry by having the movie entries screen at cinemas.
“I think it’s nice also that they started viewings in the cinema kasi parang it would help people go back to the cinemas and hopefully would help the film industry in the long run. Dahil medyo hirap na rin, hirap na rin ‘yung industriya natin.
“But I’m happy how it turned out, I’m happy. I want to congratulate everyone who one. Congratulations.“
Earlier, MMFF trended on social media after some netizens noticed the cold reception of its first day on December 25.
He then teased his upcoming movie with his Marry Me Marry You co-star Janine Gutierrez, which got postponed due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
As for their series, watch the final three weeks of the beloved Kapamilya romantic comedy series, Marry Me Marry You: Merrily Ever After?, weeknights 8:40 PM on Kapamilya Channel,
Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, TV5, Jeepney TV! Also available on iWantTFC, TFC, and WeTV, iflix!
