EXCLUSIVE: Romnick Sarmenta wants MMFF to cover 80% of film expenses amid free-pass issue

“For the agencies that are sponsoring and holding the festivals, dalawa ‘yan. ‘Pag kinuha mo para sa festival ang pelikula, then it should follow that you have to cover kung anong kailangan i-recuperate ng bawat pelikula. Because you’re the one who’s selling it afterwards,” Sarmenta said in this radar Entertainment exclusive.

The MMFF will run from Christmas Day, December 25, 2026, to January 7, 2027.

Sarmenta acknowledged that covering every film’s expenses would be impossible but proposed that organizers and government agencies shoulder a substantial portion of the costs, particularly when distributing free passes.

“Pero a major amount of it, especially if you are in control of releasing passes, dapat i-cover mo 80% of it, at least,” he said.

“Dapat hindi at the expense of the producers or of the filmmakers,” he added.

Free passes could hurt industry

Sarmenta cited international practices that offer filmmakers rebates and free access to notable locations in exchange for promoting a country through films.

While he acknowledged the support extended to the local industry, he stressed that bringing more people into cinemas should not come at the expense of those who made the films.

“Hindi supporta ang magpapasok kayo ng maraming tao, tapos nalugi. Hindi suporta ‘yon. It’s not about the number of people,” he said.

He warned that filmmakers might eventually lose the means to participate in future festivals if they continue to shoulder the financial burden.

“Baka dumating yung araw na wala nang makapasok ng pelikula kasi wala nang makagastos. It would defeat their purpose,” he said.

Watch all films, not just winners 

Despite his concerns, Sarmenta wants Filipinos to watch every MMFF entry, including films outside their usual preferences. He stars in Paolo Dy’s “Los Salvajes Bravos,” which also features Ruru Madrid.

Sarmenta said he wants every participating film to find an audience, regardless of which production wins at the awards night.

“Panoorin mo bawat isa at pahalagahan mo ‘yong ginawa ng hindi mo kilala. Kasi hindi mo alam at hindi mo maintindihan ang kwento nila kung hindi ka makikinig at hindi ka manonood,” he said.