MONTAÑ OSA FILM FESTIVAL ELEVATES BAGUIO CITY’S CINEMATIC LEGACY

March 16, 2024 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The city of enters another exhilarating chapter in its cinematic journey as the Montanosa Film Festival (MFF) takes center stage once again, showcasing the boundless talent, creativity, and diverse narratives from across the nation.
Scheduled to commence with an opening gala on March 16 and culminating on March 24, the Montanosa Film Festival Year 4 promises an immersive cinematic experience for audiences, with screenings and accompanying activities scattered across picturesque locales in Baguio City.

As the festival unfolds, it not only celebrates the artistic ingenuity of filmmakers but also reaffirms City of Pines’ status as a thriving hub of creativity and cultural diversity. Its mission: to amplify local voices, foster meaningful
connections, and cement Baguio’s standing as a beacon of cinematic brilliance in the Cordillera region and beyond.
The recent media launch held at the Grand Sierra Pine Hotel unveiled a tantalizing glimpse into the festival’s fourth edition, featuring previews of select films from 22 finalists spanning three distinct categories.

Themed ‘Building Bridges Beyond Boundaries,’ this year’s MFF resonates with the vibrant tapestry of stories and
perspectives woven by filmmakers hailing from various corners of the country. Raymond Sakiwat, the festival’s lead organizer, emphasized the pivotal role of regional film festivals in democratizing access to filmmaking opportunities, affirming, “Regional film festivals open up opportunities to everyone, especially to those who are truly passionate about pursuing filmmaking.”

The media launch drew a diverse audience comprising representatives from the press, vlogging community, and avid
film enthusiasts, underscoring the festival’s widespread appeal within the region. Mayor Benjamin Magalong also expressed his unwavering support for such initiatives, acknowledging the profound contribution of artists in A highlight of the event was the unveiling of this year ’s esteemed jury panel, featuring luminaries such as Ryan Cayabyab, Directors Joyce Bernal, Zig Dulay, and Pepe Diokno along with actor Dingdong Dantes. Their discerning
expertise promises to elevate the festival’s standards and spotlight cinematic excellence across various genres.

Rainbow Rivera/UB-Intern enriching Baguio City’s cultural tapestry.