"Kun Maupay Man It Panahon" Wins 7 Awards At MMFF 2021

The feature film directorial debut of Carlo Francisco Manatad, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Waray for Whether the Weather is Fine) had already received critical acclaim in Europe, Asia and the Americas since it premiered at the 74th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland last August. This time, it's the local audience's chance to see the masterpiece as an entry to this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the annual Christmas holidays festival that's now on its 47th edition.

And the art film certainly didn't go unnoticed, as it won several awards at MMFF 2021. Starring Charo Santos-Concio (as Norma, Miguel's mother), Daniel Padilla (as Miguel), and Rans Rifol (as Andrea, Miguel's girlfriend), Kun Maupay Man It Panahon is set during the time the super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) ravaged the city of Tacloban in 2013, and so the three have to deal with its devastating aftermath. The film's Philippine release is timely, what with parts of the country recently affected by the super typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).

At the Metro Manila Film Festival "Gabi ng Parangal" awards ceremony held in Taguig City on December 27, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon won the following: Best Actress in a Leading Role for Charo Santos-Concio, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Rans Rifol, Special Jury Prize for Daniel Padilla, 2nd Best Picture, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Award, Best Production Design for Juan Manuel Alcazaren, and Best Visual Effects.

Charo, who couldn't attend the awards ceremony, expressed her gratitude on Instagram instead: "To MMFF, This is a very pleasant surprise in a challenging year where I have been in a roller coaster of emotions." She went on to congratulate her co-actors Daniel and Rans, their director Carlo and producers, as well as the movie's staff and crew, and added that she's dedicating her Best Actress award to her husband Cesar and her family.

She continues, "I would also like to dedicate this to all Taclobeños. I had the privilege to share your story around the world in my own little way. Sana rin po ay maging inspirasyon ito sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng bagyong 'Odette'. May I also take this opportunity in encouraging everyone to help our kapamilyas in need. 'Tulong tulong po tayo sa Pag-Ahon'."

Aside from Kun Maupay Man It Panahon, the movie Big Night also took home several awards at MMFF 2021, such as Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay for Jun Lana, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Christian Bables, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for John Arcilla, Best Musical Score for Teresa Barrozo, Best Cinematography for Carlo Canlas Mendoza, and the Gender Sensitivity Award.

 

Congratulations to all the winners!

Lead photos from @charosantos