THE METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, celebrating its 50th edition, is set to close on Jan. 7, 2025. With blockbuster entries captivating audiences nationwide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a six-year member of the MMFF executive committee (execom), urged Filipinos to take this opportunity to support the local film industry.
“Ang MMFF ay isang mahalagang tradisyon na nagpapakita ng talento ng ating mga Pilipino sa paggawa ng pelikula,” Senator Go shared. “Huwag natin palampasin ang pagkakataong ito na suportahan ang industriya ng pelikula habang tayo ay nag-eenjoy kasama ang ating pamilya.”
The festival, themed “Sinesigla sa Singkwenta,” showcases ten diverse entries spanning various genres, from action and romance to horror and musicals.
Beyond promoting local cinema, Go underscored his legislative initiatives aimed at uplifting the media and entertainment industry, particularly its workers. Among these, he highlighted the passage of the Eddie Garcia Law, which he co-authored and co-sponsored, as a landmark achievement in advancing the welfare and protection of industry professionals.
“Naisabatas na po ang Eddie Garcia Law na layunin ay bigyan ng sapat na proteksyon at benepisyo ang mga manggagawa sa film and television industry na malaki ang naging ambag sa sining at kultura ng ating bansa. Ito ay ipinangalan sa yumaong aktor at direktor na si Eddie Garcia, na isa sa mga artistang ating hinahangaan,” Go said, emphasizing the significance of honoring Garcia’s legacy through concrete reforms.
Go also reiterated his commitment to strengthening workers’ rights by pushing for more comprehensive legislation. “Ipinaglalaban din natin ang ating mga manggagawa sa media at entertainment industry. Isinusulong natin sa Senado ang aking nai-file na Senate Bill No. 1183, o ang ‘Media and Entertainment Workers Welfare Bill,’” he said.
This proposed measure, according to Go, seeks to extend additional protections, security, and incentives to media workers across various platforms.
The senator explained that Senate Bill No. 1183 aims to address gaps in existing labor laws by ensuring that media workers receive adequate compensation, healthcare benefits, and insurance coverage. He stressed the need to safeguard those who are often at the forefront of delivering news and entertainment to the public, yet remain vulnerable to unfair labor practices.
“Hindi natin dapat pabayaan ang ating mga manggagawa na walang kasiguruhan sa kanilang kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaroon sila ng seguridad at tamang benepisyo para sa kanilang sakripisyo at serbisyo sa sambayanan,” Senator Go added.
As a staunch supporter of the arts and cultural development, Go emphasized the importance of uplifting Filipino talent. “Ang bawat pelikula sa MMFF ay bunga ng dugo, pawis, at pagmamahal ng mga gumawa nito. Suportahan natin ang mga likha ng ating mga kababayan,” he urged.
This year’s festival has also highlighted the resilience and creativity of Filipino filmmakers, evident in the diverse storytelling and cinematic excellence of the entries. “Nakakatuwa na makita kung paano lumalago ang industriya ng pelikula sa kabila ng mga hamon. Ang mga pelikulang ito ay patunay ng galing ng Pilipino,” Senator Go added.
As the festival’s closing days approach, Go encouraged everyone to head to cinemas and watch the films. “Huwag po tayong magpahuli. Isang malaking suporta sa industriya ang bawat ticket na binibili natin. Sa mga hindi pa nakanood, habol pa po!”
