Photo from Philstagers Films Facebook page
The director of the Famas award-winning movie Katips said he was undaunted by the lopsided comparison to the buzz generated by its competitor, “Maid in Malacañang,” directed by Darryl Yap.
In an interview on the “Facts First” podcast with Christian Esguerra, Famas Best Director Vince Tañada said he considered himself very fortunate as Katips thrived on organic reactions, despite a lack of a solid promotion.
“Alam mo napakapalad ko kasi kung sila merong pinamimigay na ticket, talagang well-funded ang kanilang promotion, ‘yung akin kasing pelikula, organikong reaksyon ng mga tao. May mga nagdodonate at nagcocontribute doon sa mga hindi kayang bumili ng ticket,” he said.
Both films premiered on Aug. 3.
Reports of free Maid in Malacañang tickets surfaced online with some organizations requiring their members to watch it, but Sen. Imee Marcos said that these were hearsay, and all tickets were bought.
“Lahat ‘yan binibili kaya nga lang maraming sector na nagvolunteer kaagad at humingi ng block screening. ‘Yun ‘yung mga pinamimigay na ticket,” said Marcos.
The page “Vincentiments,” affiliated with Yap, also denied the claims, while making a swipe against supporters of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.
“Ang opisina po ni Senator Imee, ang Viva Films at maging ang Vincentiments ay hindi po nagpapamigay ng libreng tickets— gawain po ng mga kakampinks yan—ipinapasa lang sa atin,” the page said in a statement.
Tañada also revealed plans to show the film for free in various communities after the initial showing at cinemas and theaters.
“Pagkatapos ng cinema run o theatrical run ng pelikula, ‘yong pupunta naman kami sa mga komunidad, at ipapalabas nang libre, para naman makita ng kabataan ang pelikulang ito,” he said.
Katips won several awards in the 70th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences awards on July 30 including Best Cinematography, Best Original Song, and Best Picture citations. Adrian L. Parungao