‘Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow’ disqualified from MMFF

Regal Films’ entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” has been disqualified due to some violations.

MMFF executive committee chairman Francis Tolentino said they disqualified the film after Regal Films changed its pre-approved cast and storyline, which is against the rules of the festival, ABS-CBN News reported.

“Final na po. Ibig sabihin ay disqualification from major awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay at Gatpuno Villegas Cultural awards,” said Tolentino, who is also the Metro Manila Development Authority chairman.

Tolentino added that the violation was that they deviated from the script. In the committee ruling, once the script was approved, it should not be changed.

Lily Monteverde, Regal Films’ matriarch said she was saddened that the film was disqualified from the “Best Picture” category. She stressed they have advised the MMFF executive committee about the changes made in the film, saying they had no intention of misleading the committee.

“Hindi po sila nag-advise. Nagsabi lang sila ng change sa casting pero sa script hindi sila nag-advise. Nag-advise sila ng November 23 sa cast. Pero the script po ay nagbago,” Mother Lily said.

However, the stars and crew of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” are still allowed to compete in the MMFF’s technical categories.

Regal Films is set to file a motion for reconsideration on the film’s disqualification with the MMFF executive committee.

The film includes powerhouse cast of Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion, Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, and Solenn Heussaff.

Source: ABS-CBN News