Atty. Joji Alonso clapped back to Indie director Emmanuel dela Cruz after the latter criticized the winners of this year’s Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
On April 11, the Gabi ng Parangal, held at the New Frontier Theater to recognize the best of the best entries for this first-ever summer fest.
Just hours after the event took place, dela Cruz posted something on Facebook which seemed like an indirect hit to Quantum Films.
He congratulated the winners, but in the comment section, he revealed that he was saddened that only one producing company dominated the event.
“Nakakalungkot though Manay na ‘yung isang producer lang nagdominate sa lahat ng nominees and awards,” he said.
“A festival that was meant to re-unify and re-ignite…Hopefully just did that.
“And not just created a new divisiveness amongst industry players and stakeholders.
“Hoping for the best. And for the better MMFF like the 2016 one. And hopefully we’ve all learned painfully from that,” he added.
On April 12, Atty. Joji Alonso, who is a producer at Quantum Films, called out Dela Cruz.
She said that the Indie director should not question the decision of the jury and disregard the efforts of the winners.
“Are you saying that the winners did not deserve to win???
“Or is it simply because, you have a beef with me?
“Why fault someone who risks hard earned money to produce films not knowing if the money will ever come back?
“Why not use your energy and talent to write and direct films instead?
Jun Robles Lana, Perci Intalan and Christopher Martinez and the rest of the winners do not deserve to be dragged into this. They are decent people who deserve every accolade they have earned now and over the years!
“The Philippine film industry needs saving right now! And what have you done to help?” he said.
The film About Us But Not About Us bagged almost all the awards getting 10 out of 16.
The film Here Comes the Groom also bagged four awards. Both of the said films are produced by Quantum Films.
