On September 23, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes remarked that he sees the revitalization of Philippine Cinema in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival 2023.
During the media event for ‘Family Feud’ at the GMA Network Studio 7, which LionhearTV covered, Dantes noted that the number of submissions for the MMFF 2023 indicates how Filipino producers still believe in Philippine movies.
“Para sa akin, magandang indicator ‘yun kasi sa pagkakaalam ko, parang may sikwenta’t mahigit na mga entries na pelikula na sinumbit for the Film Festival, which means marami pa pong producer na talagang gustong gumawa ng pelikula at maipalabas ang pelikula nila, which is a very, very good sign.”
He also cited the number of stellar movie stars working on MMFF films.
“And hindi lang ‘yun, pati ‘yung ating mga hinahangaang mga artista ay talagang mayroon pong entries. Like sila [Christopher de Leon,] mayroon silang entry with Miss Vilma Santos na shinooting nila sa Japan. One of the finished films, ang dami pa po.
GMA Films, ang dami pa pong pelikula, finished films, ang dami pa. Si Alden also, Alden and Sharon.”
Dantes believed that the upcoming MMFF event for 2023 would encourage Pinoy moviegoers to return to PH cinemas.
“So nakakatuwa kasi siyempre we all belong to this industry– the movie industry, and isa lang naman ang gusto natin lahat, mabuhay ang industriyang ito.Â
“Bumalik ang mga manonood sa sinehan. Kaya sana itong December, mangyari talaga ‘yan. Lumabas ‘yung tao, manood sila at tangkilikin ang pelikulang Filipino.”
He also referenced the recent earnings of Hollywood movies in the Philippines in his hope of revitalizing the local cinema industry.
“Kasi we all know that it can happen, especially when dumadating ‘yung mga Hollywood movies, kapag gusto talaga nila, pumapatok pa rin sa blockbuster, that’s why it’s our hope and our prayer that this Metro Manila Film Festival– ito kasi mas masasabi nating mas normalized na ang lahat kaysa sa mga nakaraang taon. Sana bumalik ang ating mga manonood sa sinehan.”
As for his entry for MMFF 2023, Dantes stars with his wife, Marian Rivera, in the upcoming movie, ‘Rewind.’
As for the Kapuso Game Show, Dantes returns on air with new episodes of ‘Family Feud’ starting October 2 via GMA Network, before their Kapuso News Program, ’24 Oras.’
