Firefly (2023 film)

Last updated

Firefly
Firefly 2023 MMFF poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byZig Madamba Dulay
Written byAngeli Atienza
Produced by
  • Nessa Valdellon
  • Annette Gozon-Valdes
  • Angeli Atienza
  • Kristian Julao
Starring
CinematographyNeil Daza
Edited byBenjo Ferrer
Music byLen Calvo
Production
companies
Distributed byGMA Pictures
Release date
  • December 25, 2023 (2023-12-25)
Running time
103 minutes
CountryPhilippines
Languages

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.

Contents

Premise

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]

Cast

Production

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]

Release

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]

Accolades

Accolades received by Firefly
AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
2023 Metro Manila Film Festival December 27, 2023 Best Picture FireflyWon [17]
Best Director Zig DulayNominated
Best Supporting Actor Dingdong Dantes Nominated
Epi Quizon Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Alessandra de RossiNominated
Best Screenplay Angeli AtienzaWon
Best Cinematography Neil DazaNominated
Best Production Design Kenneth VillanuevaNominated
Best Child Performer Euwenn Mikaell Won
Gender Sensitivity Award FireflyNominated
Platinum Stallion National Media AwardsFebruary 2024Director of the YearZig DulayWon
Child Star of the YearEuwenn MikaellWon
2024 Manila International Film Festival February 2, 2024 Best PictureFireflyWon [18]
Best DirectorZig DulayWon
Best Supporting ActressAlessandra de RossiWon
Best ScreenplayAngeli AtienzaWon
Box Office Entertainment Awards May 12, 2024Movie Supporting Actress of the YearAlessandra De RossiWon
Most Popular Child Performer of the YearEuwenn MikaellWon
40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies July 21, 2024New Movie Actress of the YearYsabel OrtegaWon
New Cinematographer of the YearNeil DazaWon
Movie Child Performer of the YearEuwenn MikaellWon

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Manila Film Festival</span> Philippine film festival

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual film festival organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority and held nationwide in the Philippines. The festival, which runs from Christmas Day through New Year's Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on Filipino produced films. During the course of the festival, movie theaters show only films that are approved by its jurors and exclude foreign films except in 3D theaters and IMAX theaters. It is one of the two Filipino major film festivals to exclude foreign films in a week-long period, the other being the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino happening during August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMA Pictures</span> Philippine film and television production company

GMA Network Films Inc., doing business as GMA Pictures, is a Philippine film, television production and distribution company headquartered in Diliman, Quezon City. It is one of the largest film studios in the Philippines, along with Star Cinema, Viva Films and Regal Entertainment. Its notable films include Jose Rizal (1998), Muro Ami (1999), Deathrow (2000), and Firefly (2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2001 Metro Manila Film Festival</span> Film festival edition

The 27th Metro Manila Film Festival was held in Manila, Philippines starting December 25, 2001 to January 3, 2002.

The 18th Metro Manila Film Festival was held in 1992.

Flordeliza Sanchez-Gutierrez, known professionally as Glydel Mercado, is a Filipino actress. She began her career in the late 1980s through the variety show That's Entertainment and has since played supporting roles in numerous film and television productions. She is one of the few performers to win the Grand Slam for Best Supporting Actress, having won all four major Philippine film awards for her performance in the romantic drama Sidhi (1999).

Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award is an annual event created by the Metro Manila Film Festival in honor of former mayor (gatpuno) Antonio Villegas. It awards lifetime achievement awards to films in the annual film festivals, and that portrays Philippine culture and Filipino people to the world.

The Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Actor is an award presented annually by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It was first awarded at the 1st Metro Manila Film Festival ceremony, held in 1975; Joseph Estrada received the award for his role in Diligan Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa and it is given in honor of an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role while working within the film industry. Currently, nominees and winners are determined by Executive Committees, headed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman and key members of the film industry.

The Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Cinematography is an award presented annually by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It was first awarded at the 1st Metro Manila Film Festival ceremony, held in 1975; Nonong Rasca received the award for his cinematography in Kapitan Kulas and it is given to a cinematographer for work in one particular motion picture. Currently, nominees and winners are determined by Executive Committees, headed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman and key members of the film industry.

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.

The Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Sound Engineer is an award presented annually by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It was first awarded at the 1st Metro Manila Film Festival ceremony, held in 1975; Diligin mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa film received the award and it grants to a film exhibiting the finest or most aesthetic sound editing or sound design. Currently, nominees and winners are determined by Executive Committees, headed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman and key members of the film industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Metro Manila Film Festival</span> 2015 film festival edition

The 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the 41st edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. It organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA, a government agency. During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine theaters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Metro Manila Film Festival</span> Annual Philippine film festival

The 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the 49th edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival. During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine theaters (excluding IMAX and 4D theaters).

<i>Kampon</i> (film) 2023 Filipino film

Kampon, stylized as (K)ampon, is a 2023 Philippine horror film by Quantum Films starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay.

<i>Forever Young</i> (2024 TV series) 2024 Philippine television drama series

Forever Young is a 2024 Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Euwenn Mikaell in the title role. It premiered on October 21, 2024 on the network's Afternoon Prime line up.

Bambanti is a 2015 Filipino independent film directed by Zig Dulay starring Alessandra de Rossi, Shamaine Buencamino, Micko Laurente and Julio Diaz. The film is named after the Ilocano word for scarecrow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Euwenn Mikaell</span> Filipino child actor

Euwenn Mikaell Carreon Aleta is a Filipino actor. He is best known for his portrayal of the title character of "Tonton" in the drama film Firefly, and as Kid in Lolo and the Kid.

<i>Green Bones</i> Upcoming Philippine western drama film by Zig Dulay

Green Bones is an upcoming Philippine drama film directed by Zig Dulay from a written story by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza. Starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, the film is set to be released theatrically on December 25, 2024 as an official entry of GMA Pictures to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival in its 50th year.

References

  1. 1 2 Policarpio, Allan (October 23, 2023). "For Alessandra de Rossi, 'one take' is all it takes". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  2. "Firefly' all set to light up the MMFF silver screen". The Manila Times. December 16, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  3. Concepcion, Pocholo (January 5, 2024). "What makes firefly shine". pep.ph. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (August 29, 2023). "First look at 'Firefly' movie as it wraps up taping". GMA Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  5. Santiago, Ervin (October 25, 2023). "Alessandra hindi nahirapang gumanap na nanay sa MMFF entry na 'Firefly', humugot sa mga alagang bird" [Alessandra did not find portrayal in MMFF entry ‘Firefly’ difficult, drew inspiration from her pet birds]. Bandera (in Filipino). Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  6. "'Firefly' unveils official movie poster". GMA News. November 22, 2023. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Severino, Howie (December 16, 2023). "'Firefly' is a movie journey full of longing". GMA News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  8. Songco, Pauline (December 16, 2023). "Four cities, 10 entries: MMFF 2023 Parade of Stars draws overflow crowd". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  9. 1 2 Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (December 15, 2023). "Yayo Aguila says her 'Firefly' character is 'different' from her previous roles". GMA Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  10. 1 2 Tomada, Nathalie (December 29, 2023). "Firefly: How the MMFF underdog became the Best Picture of all". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  11. Gabinete, Jojo (September 23, 2023). "Alessandra de Rossi hindi nagsisisi sa desisyon na huwag nang gawin ang role na ito" [Alessandra de Rossi does not regret decision not to accept these kind of roles]. PEP.ph (in Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  12. "MMFF expands lineup to 10, announces 6 new entries". ABS-CBN News. October 17, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  13. Yap, Jade Veronique (January 12, 2024). "Firefly:' Here's a list of UAE, California cinemas where you can watch MMFF 2023's Best Picture". GMA Integrated News .
  14. "'Firefly' bags top awards at Manila International Film Festival in California". GMA Integrated News . February 3, 2024.
  15. Yap, Jade Veronique (April 21, 2024). "'Firefly' lands on Beijing International Film Festival 2024". GMA News . Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  16. Roque, Nika (April 5, 2024). "The 'Firefly' storybook is now up for sale". GMA Integrated News . Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  17. Antonio, Josiah (December 27, 2023). "LIST: Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 winners". News.ABS-CBN.com . Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  18. "Here are the winners of the 2024 Manila International Film Festival's awards night". Rappler. February 3, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.