Filipino movie enthusiasts worldwide are in for a treat as the MMFF Best Picture winner Firefly graces cinemas in the UAE and California this January. Presented by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film premiered in the UAE on Jan. 18, with special screenings across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including a preview on Jan. 17 at Star Cinemas, Al Ghurair Centre.
The international tour extends to Los Angeles, California, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, as Firefly participates in the Metro Manila International Film Festival. The film, directed by Zig Dulay, dominated the 49th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, securing three major awards, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay for Angeli Atienza, and Best Child Actor for Euwenn Mikaell.
Firefly weaves a poignant narrative of hopes, dreams, and family, depicting Tonton’s quest to discover the mystical island of fireflies from his mother’s bedtime stories.
The US screening of Firefly will be held at TCL Chinese 6 theaters on Jan. 30 (5:55 p.m.) and Feb. 1 (3:00 p.m.), and at DGA Film Complex on Feb. 2 (12:00 nn).
In the Philippines, Firefly emerged as the powerful underdog at the 49th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal held on Dec. 27, besting nine other entries and taking home three highly-coveted major awards, including the Best Picture nod.
Firefly intertwines hopes, dreams, and family, as it tells the story of Tonton and his journey to finding the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.
The film features a distinguished cast, top-billed by award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi, who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 49th MMFF for her role as Elay – Tonton’s mother.
Joining Alessandra are Dingdong Dantes and Epy Quizon, who were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Completing the stellar cast are fan-favorite actors and actresses Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Kokoy de Santos, and Max Collins.
Aside from the UAE and Los Angeles, California, Firefly is also expected to be made available in other parts of the US and Asia very soon.
For ticket inquiries and reservations for the US screening, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-manila-international-film-festival-tickets-771883764117?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR3GF0hTkSFQBnt-ZnWsrdfVGFdz_iHh1TQnDhNw-ej2smBuQ2WMZfPc5qU