Attorney Ferdinand Topacio has called for an investigation into Vice Ganda’s 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, ‘And the Breadwinner Is…,’ claiming it closely resembles the 1955 film ‘Higit sa Lahat’ starring Rogelio dela Rosa and Emma Alegre.

Topacio raised his concerns during the question-and-answer portion at the recent MMFF 2024 launching event. “Based on the synopses I’ve heard, ‘yung pelikula ni Vice Ganda, the plot appears to be an exact duplicate of the 1955 film ‘Higit sa Lahat’ starring Rogelio dela Rosa and Emma Alegre,” Topacio stated.

A self-proclaimed movie buff, Topacio asserted, “Kasi I’m a movie buff. I watch at least two movies a day, even old movies. Pakitingin po ‘yung pelikulang ‘Higit sa Lahat’ with Rogelio dela Rosa and Emma Alegre, ganu’n din po ang istorya. Pakitingin lang po if this is a case of plagiarism.”

In response, the MMFF administration assured they would review Topacio’s observation thoroughly.

On July 16, the first batch of films for the 50th anniversary of MMFF was announced. Among the entries is ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’ starring Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo. Other notable entries include ‘Green Bones’ featuring Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo, ‘Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital’ starring Jane de Leon, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, and MJ Lastimosa, and a musical adaptation of the classic film ‘Himala’ with Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante. Additionally, for the first time, Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual will co-star in ‘The Kingdom.’