GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ ‘Firefly’ WINS Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival
The 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on Dec. 27 was a shining moment for ‘Firefly’, as the film secured three major awards out of 15 nominations, including the coveted Best Picture nod.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Firefly was also victorious in two other categories: Best Screenplay, awarded to GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza, and Best Child Performer, bestowed upon GMA Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell.
‘Firefly’, GMA Network’s official entry to this year’s MMFF, is a coming-of-age road trip drama that tells the story of Tonton (Euwenn), a young boy on a quest to find the mystical island of fireflies from his mother’s bedtime stories. The star-studded ensemble includes award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi, Dingdong Dantes, Epy Quizon, Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Kokoy de Santos, and Max Collins.
Nessa Valdellon, Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for GMA Public Affairs, expressed pride in Firefly’s MMFF achievements, emphasizing the film’s message about bravery and the power of storytelling.
The success of ‘Firefly’ can be attributed to director Zig Dulay and the film’s cinematographer Neil Daza, with special recognition in various categories including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Musical Score, and nominations for Best Director and Best Supporting Actress.
Despite facing initial challenges with limited theater screenings, ‘Firefly’ has garnered praise from industry influencers and the public, leading to an expansion of its cinema reach.
The Metro Manila Film Festival stands as a platform for excellence in Filipino cinema, and ‘Firefly’ solidifies its status as a standout masterpiece in this year’s festival.
