Cordillera’s Montañosa Film Festival Celebrates International Cultural Connections in its 4th Year
Baguio City, Philippines – The Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) proudly announces its highly anticipated fourth edition themed “MFF2024: Building Bridges Beyond Boundaries,” Scheduled to commence on March 16, this year’s festival promises a captivating lineup of events and activities designed to foster connections and cultural exchanged through the powerful medium of cinema.
“This year’s MFF aims to transcend physical and cultural barriers, inviting audiences to explore diverse narratives and experiences from around the globe.
Through the art of filmmaking, the festival endeavors to forge meaningful connections and promote understanding across different cultures not just in the Philippines but around the globe.” Says MFF Festival Director (FD) and Founder Ferdinand John Balanag.
Highlighting this year’s program are a diverse selection of films in the Narrative, Documentaries, Mobile Phone Films categories, and a new addition. Animation and Children’s Films. Twenty-four finalists were selected after a rigorous screening process and were required to undergo intensive mentorship by renowned filmmakers prior to producing their respective films.
The list of mentors includes Harlene Bautista, Paolo Villaluna, Jade Castro, Jet Leyco, Ditsi Carolino, Nico Hernandez, Arjanmar Rebeta, Tristan Cua, and Arvin Belarmino. At the helm of the mentorship program are Competition Director Emmanuel ’Ibonman’ Dela Cruz, FD Balanag, and Events and Festival Lead Organizer Raymond Sakiwat.
The Festival Opening Gala will be slated on March 16 to March 24, there will be a series of Film Talks in collaboration with lead partner Film Development Council of the Philippines.
MFF2024 lead partner, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its esteemed Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division (CCP FBNMD), is set to captivate audiences through a showcase of award-winning local films and speakers through CCPA’s renowned outreach program – Lakbay Sine, Cine Icons, and Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) – which aim to bring the magic of cinema to diverse communities, organizations, and campuses. Through these initiatives, CCP endeavors to promote Filipino filmmakers’ outstanding works among younger audiences.
There will also be a series of free public screenings like the MFF Best of the Best and Cordillera School of Digital Arts (CSDA) Anima sa Montañosa at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center Basement, Error 404 Film Premiere by Take One – Vivistop Baguio, and the most awaited MFF 2024 films in-competition public screenings at the SM City Baguio.
“We bring you a cornucopia of culture-laden, highly personal, and deeply enigmatic works, woven together with astute vision, artistic sensibility, and idiosyncratic voice, truly representing their community and regional perspectives, and languages with truly Filipino insights, well-observed realities, and experiences,”dela Cruz shared.
Another highlight of the festival is SineMusikain: the MFF movie, music, and food fair, which will feature local musicians and culinary experiences. CCP’s CUTS takes center stage at SineMusikain, offering free public screenings of a selection of notable films at the Burnham Park Rose Garden.
To be launched on March 22 at SM Sky Terrace is MFF’s “Sine Ibayo,” an international film program participated in by various embassies. The launching of Sine Ibayo will immediately be followed by a Filmmakers Forum and Fellowship attended by past and present filmmakers and participants of the festival.
For horror enthusiasts, the MFF offers “SineSindak” on March 21-22, a Midnight Film Screening held at the infamous Diplomat Hotel, where the audience will immerse themselves in the films and the ambiance of the venue.
The MFF2024 Awards Night is slated for March at the CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay. The festival will award the winners of the MFF2024 films in a competition carefully assessed this year by the festival’s esteemed grand jury headed by acclaimed Filipino Film Director Pepe Diokno and composed of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, acclaimed film and television director and producer Joyce Bernal, award-winning film director Zig Dulay, and seasoned Filipino actor Dingdong Dantes.
Capping MFF2024 and SineMusikain at the Rose Garden on March 24 is the 2nd Baguio Folk Music Festival, which will showcase local musical talents.
Beyond its cultural significance, the MFF remains dedicated to leveraging film tourism as a creative strategy for economic growth, further solidifying Baguio City’s status as a hub for artistic innovation and cultural exchange. (PR)
The Montañosa Film Festival 2024 is made possible through the generous support of its co-presenters, lead partners, and esteemed sponsors, as well as the invaluable contributions of filmmakers and audiences alike. For more information and updates, please visit the official Montañosa Film Festival Facebook Page or email at Festival Secretariat at montanosafilmfestival@gmail.com
About Montañosa Film Festival
The Montañosa Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema and cultural exchange, dedicated to upholding Baguio City’s designation as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers from the Cordillera region and beyond. Through its diverse program of screenings, workshops, and events, the festival seeks to promote dialogue, foster connections, and inspire audiences with the transformative power of storytelling.
