HOLLYWOOD DREAMS

Get to know the Filipinos who are making a dent in the world's entertainment capital-each striving to empower fellow Filipino filmmakers to shine globally

- Maritess Garcia Reyes

Filipino actors and filmmakers, whether based in the Philippines or abroad, share one common goal: to showcase Filipino talent and reach a wider audience. This is the path embraced by both the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). Organised by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the MMFF is the Philippines' biggest and much-awaited annual film festival that exclusively showcases Filipino movies during the Christmas season.For 50 years, the MMFF has put the spotlight on the rich talent and diversity of the Filipino film industry.

The MIFF, on the other hand, is a film festival helmed by US-based Filipinos who are mostly working in Hollywood, the world's movie capital. With the aim to promote Filipino films from the Philippines in Hollywood and beyond, the MIFF bridges the gap between the two worlds and connects the Philippine entertainment industry with that of Hollywood and the international stage. "Simply, there is no MIFF without MMFF," explains Lisa Lew, multi-Emmy Award winner and founder and executive producer of the MIFF.

The collaboration between the two film festivals was born out of a conversation between Lew and her friends and colleagues, MIFF co-founders Omen Ortiz and Omar Tolentino, MMDA chairman Romando Artes and executive director Rochelle Ona which happened some time last year.

"The MMFF and MIFF are truly united in our goal for global audiences and the industry to celebrate our films, our stories and our talents," adds Lew.