Matthew Vaughn returns to direct the X-MEN FIRST CLASS Sequel

Matthew Vaughn is back to direct the X-MEN FIRST CLASS Sequel, with Bryan Singer as Producer. Fox has just closed a deal with Matthew Vaughn to direct the sequel and Bryan Singer back as producer, with Simon Kinberg writing the script. It was inevitable that this sequel would be made, since Fox has had already stated that it envisions X-Men: First Class as the first film of a new trilogy.

One of the best action-sci-fi movies of 2011 was X-MEN FIRST CLASS. It was the movie that really resurrected the X-Men franchise from the ugly damage caused by the lousy "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" and the phenomenally lousier "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" X-MEN FIRST CLASS made the X-Men movies cool again, and made people realize that there are still so many great X-Men stories out there to be recreated on film.

It would be safe to assume that James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender would be returning as Professor Xavier and Erik "Magneto" Lensherr, that goes for the rest of the cast too. I would particularly want to see Rose Byrne again as Moira Mactaggert. But I am so curious if Wolverine's cameo in 'First Class' would bring him into a bigger role for the second movie. I say Not Yet. 'First Class' proved that it could be a success even without Wolverine around (the first three X-Men movies directed by Bryan Singer, seemed to have over-exposed Wolverine's role in the X-Men movies anyway). But if ever he does get to appear on a bigger role, let's just hope it's gonna be more faithful to the comics; brooding, silent, ruthless, almost villainous.

The Sineng Pambansa Film Festival Screening Schedule

Last year, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in cooperation with the Iloilo City Government held the very first Sineng Pambansa (National Cinema) Film Festival here in Iloilo City. This was to be the first of what is expected to be an annual event which celebrates quality films of the country. For three days, the program was able to show a number of quality Filipino indie films that have been critically-acclaimed and award-winning in the international scene . This festivals does indeed upgrade the level of film appreciation among the mainstream, and create a consciousness of what truly is quality cinema.

Now, the Second Sineng Pambansa Iloilo Film Festival is set on January 18 to 20, 2012. It will once again showcase the best in quality cinema. This festival is bent to revitalize both local filmmakers and local audiences by introducing trends and directions in cinema, through nationwide screening of Filipino films.

Admission is FREE, however, there will be tickets so as to control the number of people that go in and out of theaters. You may get the tickets for free at the Iloilo City Tourism office, Iloilo City Mayor's Office, from Mr Joeboy Agriam, FDCP Iloilo Cinematheque at B @ C Square Bldg., Iznart -Solis Street, Sm Cinema 2 & 3. There will also be a team going around schools to distribute.

SM City Cinema will once again be the host for this film festival, and the schedules of screening are as follows:

The Ilonggo Short Film Competition '2012

ILONGGO FILMLOVERS AND FILMMAKERS are in for a treat because one of the events included in this year's Sineng Pambansa Iloilo Film Festival is an Ilonggo Short Film Competition. The competition is divided into two divisions:  The Academic Division and the Municipal Division.  Entries shall follow the theme: “Ang Ilonggo.”

•    Director should be at least 16 years old and must have not joined any major film competition.
•     Director should be from the City or Province of Iloilo. For non-Ilonggos, participants must have at least one (1) year of residency in Iloilo City or Province of Iloilo.
•     Any Digital Camera may be used (including cell phone).
•    The video should be 3-10 minutes long (including OBB/CBB).
•    Use of copyrighted music is prohibited, unless allowed by the owner of the material.
•    Nudity, foul language, slur on religious belief, or any other form of offensive content shall likewise be prohibited.
•    Film may be in native tongue or dialect but must have readable English subtitles.
•    All entries should be submitted in DVD format.
•    Deadline for submission of entries and stints will be January 12, 2012. Entries should be submitted to:
Atty. Dan Cartagena,
FDCP Local Coordinator
Cartagena & Associates, Jamerlan Building, Iznart Street, Iloilo City.
09394519045; 09179898661

Announcement of the finalists will be on January 18, 2012.  All finalists will be competing in the Film Festival on January 20, 2012 at SM City Cinema. The Jury will be composed of Filmmakers and the FDCP. Awards Night will be on January 21, 2012. Cash Prizes for each division are as follows:

a. Best Film - P35,000
b. 1st Runner-up - 20,000
c. 2nd Runner-up - 10,000