Firefly | |
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Directed by | Zig Madamba Dulay |
Written by | Angeli Atienza |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Neil Daza |
Edited by | Benjo Ferrer |
Music by | Len Calvo |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | GMA Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 103 minutes |
Country | Philippines |
Languages |
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Firefly is a 2023 Philippine fantasy film written by Angeli Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay. The film stars Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell in his theatrical debut. It was one of the entries in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, where it won as Best Picture.
Set in 1999, [1] Firefly is told from the perspective of an adult Tonton (Dingdong Dantes) who reminisces about his childhood. [2]
A ten-year old Tonton [1] (Euwenn Mikaell) goes on a search for the "Island of Fireflies", a mystical island of Ticao [3] he learned from Elay, his mother (Alessandra De Rossi) during bedtime stories. [4] [5] [6]
Firefly is a film by GMA Network produced under GMA Pictures and the GMA Public Affairs. Zig Dulay was the director, while Neil Daza served as the cinematographer. [10] Angeli Atienza was the writer. [11] Firefly is the first fictional feature film production of GMA Public Affairs, which is better known for producing documentaries. [10] Glaiza de Castro and child star Raphael Landicho were originally cast as the lead roles before de Rossi and Mikaell took over their respective roles.
Principal photography was finished by August 2023, with Metro Manila and Bicol serving as filming locations. [4]
Firefly premiered in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2023, as one of the official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. [12]
Viva Films distributed Firefly in the United Arab Emirates (Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Al Ain) beginning January 17.
The film was an entry to the Metro Manila International Film Festival in TCL Chinese 6 theaters and Directors Guild of America Complex, Los Angeles, which took place from January 30 to February 2. [13]
In the Manila International Film Festival on February 3, 2024, in Hollywood, California, Firefly captured four awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Alessandra de Rossi, Best Screenplay for Angeli Atienza, and Best Director for Dulay. The Firefly team has an opportunity to create a US-based feature film co-produced by Birns & Sawyer with up to $100,000 worth of camera rental equipment. Its director Dulay, and screenwriter will each receive the latest version of Final Draft software, valued at $250. [14]
The film premiered at Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) on April 18 until April 26, 2024. [15]
In April 2024, GMA Public Affairs announced the launching of a storybook that was based on the film. Written by Augie Rivera, the scriptwriter, the storybook's illustrations were drawn by Aldy Aguirre, with watercolor and gouache. [16]
Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
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2023 Metro Manila Film Festival | December 27, 2023 | Best Picture | Firefly | Won | [17] |
Best Director | Zig Dulay | Nominated | |||
Best Supporting Actor | Dingdong Dantes | Nominated | |||
Epi Quizon | Nominated | ||||
Best Supporting Actress | Alessandra de Rossi | Nominated | |||
Best Screenplay | Angeli Atienza | Won | |||
Best Cinematography | Neil Daza | Nominated | |||
Best Production Design | Kenneth Villanueva | Nominated | |||
Best Child Performer | Euwenn Mikaell | Won | |||
Gender Sensitivity Award | Firefly | Nominated | |||
Platinum Stallion National Media Awards | February 2024 | Director of the Year | Zig Dulay | Won | |
Child Star of the Year | Euwenn Mikaell | Won | |||
2024 Manila International Film Festival | February 2, 2024 | Best Picture | Firefly | Won | [18] |
Best Director | Zig Dulay | Won | |||
Best Supporting Actress | Alessandra de Rossi | Won | |||
Best Screenplay | Angeli Atienza | Won | |||
Box Office Entertainment Awards | May 12, 2024 | Movie Supporting Actress of the Year | Alessandra De Rossi | Won | |
Most Popular Child Performer of the Year | Euwenn Mikaell | Won | |||
40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | July 21, 2024 | New Movie Actress of the Year | Ysabel Ortega | Won | |
New Cinematographer of the Year | Neil Daza | Won | |||
Movie Child Performer of the Year | Euwenn Mikaell | Won |
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The Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Production Design is an award presented annually by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to recognize achievement in art direction in film. It was first awarded in 1976 at the 2nd Metro Manila Film Festival ceremony, to Augusto Buenaventura for Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa. The category's original name was Best Art Direction but was changed to its current name in 1987. Currently, nominees and winners are determined by executive committees, headed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman and key members of the film industry.
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