Lawyer-producer Ferdinand Topacio has stirred controversy after openly criticizing Vice Ganda’s Best Actor win at the most recent Metro Manila Film Festival.
Speaking during the press conference of the film ‘Spring in Prague’, produced by his company Borracho Films, Topacio questioned the decision of the MMFF jury, particularly in comparison to other nominees.
“Maganda ‘yung acting ni Vice, to be fair. But over Piolo Pascual as well as ‘Manila’s Finest,’ no way! No fuing way!**” Topacio said.
Beyond the Best Actor issue, Topacio also renewed his call to remove the MMFF from the management of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), arguing that the agency lacks both expertise and legal basis to oversee a film festival.
“Metropolitan Film Festival ‘yan dati. Ang daming magagandang pelikula niyan. May social message,” he said. “Ang problema kasi, you have placed the movie industry, at least the Metro Manila Film Festival, in the hands of people who know nothing about movies.”
Topacio further claimed that MMDA’s role in running the festival may even be legally questionable.
“Bakit sa MMDA mo ibinigay? Anong alam ng MMDA? In fact, legally questionable pa nga, eh, na MMDA nagpapatakbo niyan kasi kung titingnan n’yo ‘yung charter ng MMDA, wala naman sa functions ng MMDA na magpatakbo ng film festival,” he added.
According to the lawyer-producer, the MMFF should instead be placed under cultural agencies such as the Film Development Council of the Philippines or the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which he believes are more equipped to handle a national film event.
Meanwhile, Topacio praised the cast of ‘Spring in Prague’, led by Paolo Gumabao and Czech actress Sara Sandeva, describing their performances as deserving of recognition.
‘Spring in Prague’, directed by Lester Dimaranan, was shot partly in Prague, home to iconic cultural landmarks such as Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, both part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The film is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on February 4.
