Tim Orbos on Mocha and indies in the next MMFF

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Tim Orbos admitted revenue from the just-concluded MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) was only half a billion pesos, or half of what it grossed in 2015.

Not that he was expecting more.

“We were expecting less earnings,” he told media at the Pandesal Forum of the 78-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café.

He assured everyone, however, that there is nothing to be ashamed of as MMFF organizers knew what they were getting into. 

Orbos is optimistic that the MMFF entries “will have a life of their own after the festival.” He was obviously referring to entries showing on extended run in theaters.

“Indies take a longer time to earn than commercial ones because they rely on stories rather than big stars. They have less marketing budget. Kung baga sa kotse, diesel sila. Pero pang-matagalan (if it’s a car, the films are diesel types; but they have more staying power).”

Orbos added that he prefers to look at how long a film stayed in cinemas rather than their box office earnings. The MMDA official also said he plans to continue pushing the same policy for the next MMFF, even if it runs counter to what people are accustomed to.

“It’s a change. Hopefully, it will catch on this year.”

He plans to get additional earnings for MMFF beneficiaries (like the Mowelfund, among others) by tapping new sources of income. These include offering the official entries for airing in online media outlets for overseas Filipinos; special screenings on Filipino cable networks; and tapping new merchandising properties.

Orbos knows he has a long way to go, and he still has to convince people that MMDA is on track. So, he wants to lay the groundwork for this year’s MMFF earlier.  The new Execom (Executive Committee) members, for instance, will be chosen as early as next month.

Lessons from “Oro”

Meanwhile, Orbos again admitted he  learned a couple of lessons from the MMFF entry “Oro”, whose producers were suspended from joining the film fest for a year because of public furor over a dog slaughter scene.

“Never presume everything is right. We never thought (that scene) would be done.  It’s a good thing we asked, even if it was presumed nothing bad will happen. And we were given the answer.”

The MMFF Execom also recalled the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for “Oro” after senator Grace Poe, the late action star’s daughter, said her dad is against animal cruelty.

On Mocha Uson

Orbos also defended controversial blogger and Duterte supporter Mocha Uson’s appointment as MMFF ambassador. 

Although the decision was widely hit, Orbos said the public must focus on what the former sexy star is doing for the MMFF, instead of her past. He added that he finds it funny that those calling for change in the industry are the ones opposing Mocha’s appointment.

“She was chosen ambassador because she has her own following. She shouldn’t be discriminated. She was helping the MMFF.  Why put color in it?  If you’re doing something good, you’re welcome (to join the MMFF).”

He stressed that Mocha was an effective ambassador.  But he is not sure if she will continue as such this year, because she is now a member of the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board).