MANILA, Philippines - Just a day after the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 kicked off, official entry “Ang Larawan” had already been pulled out in some cinemas.
Despite the MMFF policy that no entry will be removed from the cinemas during the first week, the producers of the independent film decided to concede.
READ: FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night
MMFF 2017 Spokesperson Noel Ferrer explained that the producers of “Ang Larawan” and the cinema owners came to a decision after learning of their first-day sales.
Ferrer added that the producers acknowledged that they don’t have audience in certain areas. He said, “Mayroon talaga extreme scenario na mismong mga producers ay makikita nila na, 'Ay, hindi namin market iyan.' Kaya ibinibigay na rin nila iyong mga theaters.”
The cinema owners agreed that they will continue to screen “Ang Larawan” in January 2018.
Meanwhile, the casts and team of the indie film had been rallying to keep the critically acclaimed film. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars invited everyone to catch it in some cinemas.
Ryan Cayabyab, the musical director also urged everyone to try their work.
Several big names had been recommending “Ang Larawan” on social media to “give it a chance.”
“Ang Larawan” was based on “A Portrait of the Artist” written by national artist Nick Joaquin. It was translated by another national Bienvenido Lumbera and music by Ryan Cayabyab. It stars Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, among others.
It had been well- applauded by critics during its premiere in the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival last month.
Here’s the official trailer of Ang Larawan:
Here’s the list of cinemas that have stopped the showing of the film:
RELATED STORIES
— Sally, The Summit Express
 |
| A film based on a masterpiece by national artist Nick Joaquin, Ang Larawan struggles in the box office. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/Ang Larawan Movie |
Despite the MMFF policy that no entry will be removed from the cinemas during the first week, the producers of the independent film decided to concede.
READ: FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night
MMFF 2017 Spokesperson Noel Ferrer explained that the producers of “Ang Larawan” and the cinema owners came to a decision after learning of their first-day sales.
Ferrer added that the producers acknowledged that they don’t have audience in certain areas. He said, “Mayroon talaga extreme scenario na mismong mga producers ay makikita nila na, 'Ay, hindi namin market iyan.' Kaya ibinibigay na rin nila iyong mga theaters.”
The cinema owners agreed that they will continue to screen “Ang Larawan” in January 2018.
Meanwhile, the casts and team of the indie film had been rallying to keep the critically acclaimed film. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars invited everyone to catch it in some cinemas.
Who’s watching Ang Larawan today? Show me your tickets 🙌🏻— Paulo Avelino (@mepauloavelino) December 25, 2017
Ryan Cayabyab, the musical director also urged everyone to try their work.
Ang Larawan lost the following cinemas to better performing films at the tills. Just saying. Thanks to everyone who supported the film. Meron pa rin namang ibang sinehan. Try to catch it! 😊😊😊 pic.twitter.com/3sQz0mWraR— Ryan Cayabyab (@ryancayabyab) December 26, 2017
Several big names had been recommending “Ang Larawan” on social media to “give it a chance.”
Just one final shoutout: theater owners ... please give ANG LARAWAN a chance. #AngLarawanPagbigyan— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) December 26, 2017
For those asking for straight up MMFF recommendations: I enjoyed Ang Panday the most, I think, but see Ang Larawan first, before they take it away from you.— Phil Dy (@philbertdy) December 26, 2017
“Ang Larawan” was based on “A Portrait of the Artist” written by national artist Nick Joaquin. It was translated by another national Bienvenido Lumbera and music by Ryan Cayabyab. It stars Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, among others.
It had been well- applauded by critics during its premiere in the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival last month.
Here’s the official trailer of Ang Larawan:
Here’s the list of cinemas that have stopped the showing of the film:
RELATED STORIES
- ‘Ang Panday’ Movie Review: A Modern Spin On The Iconic Filipino Superhero
- ‘The Revenger Squad’ Review: Just Another Vice Ganda Movie
- MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update
- WATCH: Metro Manila Festival (MMFF) 2017 eight official entries’ trailers
— Sally, The Summit Express
