Seth Fedelin (left) and Francine Diaz during the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal. Image: Instagram/@francinesdiaz

Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin admitted that they’re overwhelmed with the praises they have received with their 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “My Future You,” which was considered to be the festival’s “dark horse.”

The decision came after they reached an agreement with the management, brokered by ministry of transport officials and the umbrella trade union organisation.

Diaz and Fedelin are the lead stars of the Crisanto B. Aquino-helmed film, which tells the story of love between Lex and Karen despite their being 15 years apart. Although the film is part of a stacked MMFF lineup, it was able to break ground as it bagged the 3rd Best Picture plum, among other recognitions at the Gabi ng Parangal.

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“Nakaka-overwhelm na makita ang [positive na] komento ng mga tao. Nakakakaba pero nakakatuwa na masabi ‘yun ng casual viewers,” Diaz told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the event. “Grateful kami na makita kami as a ‘dark horse’ for MMFF this year. Na-appreciate namin na na-appreciate kami ng mga tao, lalo na ngayon.”

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(It’s overwhelming to see the positive comments from people. It makes me nervous, but I’m happy that casual viewers recognized us. We’re grateful to be seen as an MMFF dark horse this year. We appreciate that people appreciate us, especially now.)

Due to its romance and family-centered genre, the MMFF 2024 entry is seemingly different from the thriller-, social commentary- and horror-themed genres of this year’s edition. This, according to Fedelin, might’ve played a part in its recognition among filmgoers.

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“Para sa’kin, hindi siya dark horse. Kakaiba rin kasi ang [My Future You’] kasi Rated G siya, and puno siya ng pagmamahal. May konti siyang kurot pero may aral kang matututunan. Hindi lang kami nagfofocus sa love pero meron din itong family,” he said.

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(I think it’s not a dark horse. “My Future You” is different because it’s Rated G and it’s filled with love. It has a tinge of pain but you’ll gain lessons from it. At the same time, we didn’t just focus on the love story, it also talks about family.)

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Fedelin also recalled an anonymous netizen who informed him that they weren’t fond of him before but that the MMFF 2024 entry made them change their mind.

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“Nagpapasalamat kami na maraming nagandahan. May nabasa ako na sabi, basher ko raw siya tapos pag-alis ng sinehan, [na-realize niyang] mabait pala ako. Nakakataba ng puso. At the end of the day, gusto naming patunayan na kaya naming magkaroon ng ambag sa pelikulang Pilipino,” he said.

(We’re grateful that many appreciated our film. I came across a comment saying they used to be a basher of me, but they realized that I’m nice after leaving the cinema. It warms my heart. At the end of the day, we just want to prove that we can contribute something to Filipino cinema.)

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Diaz and Fedelin earned the Best Actress and Best Actor nominations, respectively, for their portrayals of Karen and Lex. Even though the awards went to Judy Ann Santos and Dennis Trillo, Fedelin managed to win the Breakthrough Performance Award.

“My Future You” also bagged the Best Director and Best Editing awards at the Gabi ng Parangal.pinaswin88

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