FOLLOW-UP ito sa sinulat namin kahapon tungkol sa isyu na iniurong ng Star Cinema ang Vince & Kath & James sa 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival dahil hindi sila pabor sa 30% discount na ibibigay sa mga estudyante, PWDs (person with disabilities) at senior citizens.
Binanggit namin na nagkaroon ng emergency meeting nitong nakaraang Martes ang Metro Manila Developmenty Authority (MMDA) at Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) execom tungkol sa stand ng Star Cinema, at nalaman naming napagdesisyunan nila na ang 30% discount ay magsisimula sa ikatlong araw ng MMFF (sa Disyembre 27). Sa madaling sabi, walang diskuwento sa opening day (December 25) at sa ikalawang araw (December 26).
Dahil sa desisyong ito ng MMDA at MMFF execom, naglabas na rin ng official statement ang publicity manager ng Star Cinema na si Mico del Rosario sa kanyang Instagram kinagabihan ng, “Contrary to rumors, Star Cinema is not withdrawing its entry Vince and Kath and James from the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. Rest assured that we are committed to provide the best in entertainment to the Filipino family this Christmas season.”
Gabi na rin ng Martes naglabas ng statement ang MMFF execom tungkol sa napag-usapan nila sa meeting.
“The MMFF Executive Committee gave due course to the said proposal on the grant of thirty percent (30%) discount on tickets to students, PWDs and senior citizens, at the option of the producers and with the cooperation of cinemas and other stakeholders of the movie industry.
“The Execom further resolved that the said option of giving thirty-percent (30%) discount shall be implemented only starting on the third day of the Festival or December 27 until January 3, 2017.
“Meanwhile Execom dispelled reports that Star Cinema is pulling out its entry Vince and Kath and James purportedly due to the 30% discount on ticket prices.
“Just like the other producers, they have been supportive of the MMFF initiatives in bringing more people to the Festival every year.”
Kaya sa mga nag-aabang ng Vince & Kath & James, tuloy ang ligaya. Binigyan ng “Grade A” ng Cinema Evaluation Board ang naturang pelikula. (REGGEE BONOAN)