Montañosa Film Festival Kicked Off with Its Media Launch

Baguio City’s premier film festival, Montañosa Film Festival (MFF), conducted its media launch at the Sky Garden, SM City Baguio on March 1, 2023. Attended by local and national media practitioners, vloggers, and influencers, MFF organizers led by Film Festival Director Ferdie Balanag, Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region Director Jovi Ganongan, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Head of Arts Section Ferdinand Isleta, and winning MFF filmmakers addressed the crowd. A film showing also followed after the launch.

“Dahil sa unique traditions, rituals at way of life natin [sa Cordillera], naiitranslate lahat natin ito sa film. Through film, nakaka-create tayo ng dayalogo sa iba’t-ibang mga kultura, sa ibang bansa, sa ibang mga tao. Through this, we get to understand each other. And by doing so, we are able to build bridges,” Festival Director Balanag told.

Now on its third year, the MFF aims to open opportunities for film storytellers especially in the Cordillera region. It is also an avenue for Baguio City to be recognized not only for its crafts and folk arts but for diverse forms of art, which include film.

Mayor Benjie Magalong issued Executive Order No. 24 s. 2023 dedicating the whole month of March in support for the MFF as well as to conduct activities related to the festival.

This year, Cinema Rehiyon, the flagship project of the NCCA – National Committee on Cinema, has partnered with the MFF with the theme “Divergence + Convergence”. Filmmakers, from beginner to expert degree, would have the chance to exhibit their work to a wider audience as well as to establish connections for their professional growth.

In his video message, Mayor Benjie invited everyone to support the festival. “I invite everyone to support yet another exceptional showcase of Filipino films that exemplifies cinematic excellence worthy of adulation. Without doubt, I cannot but express admiration in narrating the Filipino experiences common to many and varied affecting ways,” said the mayor.

Outdoor film screenings are scheduled from the 29th to 31st of March. Film showing will be held at the Malcolm Square and Rose Garden Burnham Park.