- The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) turns 50 this year, and it’s promising a grand celebration with the theme “Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta” (translated as “The Energy of Cinema at Fifty”). The festivities kicked off on July 16th with the announcement of the first batch of film entries.
Watch the highlight here from MMFF Event
Breaking with tradition, the MMFF will feature 10 films this year, up from the usual eight. The selection process prioritized strong scripts, with the first five entries chosen from a pool of 39 submissions. Here’s a glimpse at what moviegoers can expect:
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Comedy Takes Center Stage: Leading the pack is “And The Breadwinner Is…,” a comedy starring Vice Ganda with Eugene Domingo and Jhong Hilario. The film, directed by Jun Robles Lana, promises laughter as it explores themes of family and resilience.
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Genre Mashup: For those who crave variety, the MMFF offers “Green Bones,” a mystery thriller starring Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo, and “Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital,” which delves into the horror genre starring Enrique Gil.
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Musical Magic: The festival embraces the power of music with “Himala, Isang Musikal,” a musical adaptation of the classic Filipino film “Himala.”
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Historical Drama: History buffs can look forward to “The Kingdom,” though details about the film’s plot are still under wraps starring Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto.
These five entries represent just the first wave, with the remaining films to be announced soon. The MMFF promises a diverse lineup catering to a wide range of Filipino film enthusiasts.
I’ve put my prediction on the line: I believe this year’s MMFF has the potential to shatter box office records, reaching a whopping ₱1.3 billion gross. 700 to 800 Million Pesos from this might come from one film alone, and that is the Vice Ganda entry.
This isn’t just a random guess. Here’s why I’m bullish on the 50th MMFF:
- Golden Anniversary Magic: There’s something special about a golden anniversary. Moviegoers are likely feeling a sense of nostalgia and a desire to celebrate this milestone in Philippine cinema. This celebratory mood could translate to increased ticket sales.
- A Lineup for Every Fan: The early announcements point to a diverse selection of films. From laugh-out-loud comedies starring Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto to suspenseful thrillers and chilling horror flicks, there’s something for everyone. This variety could broaden the audience base and encourage repeat viewings.
Beyond the competition, cinephiles can expect the return of beloved MMFF traditions like the Parade of Stars and the Gabi ng Parangal (awards night). The festival will also unveil special events and a commemorative mural, solidifying the MMFF’s golden anniversary as a landmark event in Philippine cinema.