On December 27, director Zig Dulay joked that the number of cinemas for ‘Firefly’ would increase after their Best Picture Award.
At the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal, which LionhearTV covered, Dulay jokingly remarked about the possibility of increased cinemas for the GMA Pictures movie when the cast of Firefly accepted their Best Picture Award.
“Umabot kami dito. Yehey dadami ang sinehan namin.”
Earlier, Dulay admitted feeling puzzled by the low number of cinemas showing their MMFF 2023 movie.
He then thanked the people involved in the production of the GMA Pictures film.
“Unang-una sa lahat, maraming-maraming salamat sa Firefly team, literal na hindi talaga maisasakatuparan ‘yung Firefly kung di dahil sa inyo. Sa mga core, kay Niel Daza, kay Len Calbo, kay Kenneth, kay Sanara, sa Quantum, kay Benjo, kay Timmy, sa aking dalawang assistant directors, si Che at si Aika.”
He credited the success of their movie to the cast, GMA Pictures, and GMA Network for supporting their MMFF 2023 film.
“Sa totoo lang, ano talaga, team talaga ang bumuo ng Firefly. Nagpapasalamat ako personally, kay Ma’am Nessa, kay Miss Anj, Sir Christian, Miss Jayzel, kay Sir Bats, throughout mula umpisa hanggang dulo, hindi nila natigilan, hindi nila tinigilan ‘yung pelikula, binuo talaga siya mula sa puso.
“Salamat sa lahat ng artista, maraming salamat kila Miss Annette boss namin, sa pagtitiwala. Nagbabalik na po ang GMA Pictures. Nagbabalik na po ‘yung GMA Pictures sa pamamagitan ng GMA Public Affairs. At sa pamamagitan ng Firefly nagbibigay sila ng pangako na magpapatuloy sa paggawa ng pelikulang may puso, dekalidad, at makabuluhan.”
Dulay then dedicated Firefly to people who believe in the power of dreams, love, and art.
“Inaalay po namin ang pelikula sa lahat ng taong naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pangarap, kapangyarihan ng pag-ibig, at kapangyarihan ng sining. Maraming maraming salamat po.”
As for the list of winners for the 49th MMFF 2023 Gabi ng Parangal:
- Best Float: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikaell, Firefly
- Best Sound: Melvin Q. Rivera and Louie Boy Bauson, GomBurZa
- Best Score: Von de Guzman, Mallari
- Best Original Theme Song: ‘Finggah Lickin,’ Becky & Badette
- Best Visual Effects: Gaspar Mangarin, Mallari
- Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro, GomBurZa
- Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino, K(Ampon)
- Best Cinematography: Carlo Canlas Mendoza, GomBurZa
- Gender Sensitivity: Becky & Badette
- Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Lily Monteverde
- Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: GomBurZa
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Screenplay: Angeli Atienza, Firefly
- Best Director: Pepe Diokno, GomBurZa
- Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo, Family of Two
- Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos, Mallari
- Best Actor: Cedrick Juan, GomBurZa
- Best Actress: Vilma Santos, When I Met You in Tokyo
- 4th Best Picture: When I Met You in Tokyo
- 3rd Best Picture: Mallari
- 2nd Best Picture: GomBurZa
- Best Picture: Firefly
As for ‘Firefly,’ The GMA Pictures movie stars Alessandra de Rossi, Euwann Mikaell, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Yayo Aguila, Max Collins, Cherry Pie Picache, and a special participation from Dingdong Dantes.
Under the direction of Zig Dulay, the MMFF 2023 Best Picture film is currently showing in cinemas from December 25 to January 7.
