‘Firefly’ is most awarded film at Manila International Film Fest 2024 in California

CEBU, Philippines — From being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) big winner, “Firefly” continued its victorious streak abroad as it won the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California – including the coveted Best Picture honor.

The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs also took home three more awards and three nominations during the MIFF Awards Night last February 3: another Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and “Firefly” creator Angeli Atienza; Best Director for award-winning film and TV director Zig Dulay; and Best Supporting Actress for acclaimed actress Alessandra de Rossi.

Present during the awarding ceremony were GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who accepted the Best Director award on behalf of Zig Dulay; Angeli Atienza; and “Firefly” actress Ysabel Ortega, who accepted the Best Supporting Actress award on behalf of Alessandra de Rossi. Joining them were Sparkle GMA Artist Center VP Joy Marcelo and “Firefly” actor Dingdong Dantes.

Aside from winning four major awards, the film also garnered nominations for the Best Supporting Actor (Epy Quizon) and Actress (Cherry Pie Picache) categories, as well as for Best Cinematography (Neil Daza).

Following their Best Picture win, the “Firefly” team was awarded a $200,000 co-producing package by Birns and Sawyer for the production of a US-based feature film.

The 49th MMFF Best Picture awardee, “Firefly” narrates a moving story about family, dreams, and bravery, as the young Tonton, portrayed by MMFF Best Child Performer Euwenn Mikael, embarks on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.

The film also won Best Screenplay along with 15 nominations at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal last December.

Early this year, it was shown in the United Arab Emirates prior to its screening in Los Angeles, California, as part of the MIFF, an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.