'Honor Thy Father' may replace 'Hermano Puli' in MMFF

MANILA, Philippines — The 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) official entry "Hermano Puli" backs out of the festival.

Director Girl Portes confirmed that his film is pulling out of the annual festival due to "lack of funding," Philippine Entertainment Portal reported.

"I've exhausted all the possible investors for Hermano Puli," he said. "God knows I gave my best to get investors, but it's not meant to be produced now," he said in the report.

The film, which stars Aljur Abrenica, tells the story of Hermano Puli, a priest who led a religious revolt in the 19th century.

Once the historical drama is officially out of the film festival, the MMFF committee will decide on a film that can take its place.

There are two films that may take its sport are "Honor Thy Father" starring John Lloyd Cruz and "Lakambini" starring Lovi Poe.

While "Honor Thy Father" is the next in line to the spot, the MMFF committee said there are still "qualifications" to consider. — Joyce Jimenez