MANILA, Philippines – The much awaited full run of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is finally here! The showdown of eight official entries for MMFF 2022 starts December 25.
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| The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced in October 2022 the 8 official entries for MMFF 2022 |
The official entries, announced in October, were chosen by the selection committee led by Boots Anson-Rodrigo based on the following standards:
- Artistic Excellence – 40%
- Commercial Appeal – 40%
- Filipino Cultural Values – 10%
- Global Appeal – 10%
This year’s theme is “Balik Saya sa MMFF 2022,” and all entries will be shown in theaters starting Christmas Day, through January 7, 2023, following health protocols.
MMDA and MMFF Concurrent Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III urged moviegoers to support the festival in cinemas nationwide. He said, “Let us watch the MMFF in theaters once more. We are happy with the list of entries, which has a wide mix of genres. We are excited and looking forward to the MMFF 2022 becoming a success.”
Here are the eight official entries for the 48th MMFF:
1. DELETER by Viva Films
Deleter is a “techno-horror” film starring Nadine Lustre, McCoy de Leon, and Louise de los Reyes. It is directed by renowned filmmaker Mikhail Red, who is also known for the movie Birdshot, which won Best Film at the Asian Future section in Tokyo and was chosen as the Philippines’ submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards.
2. FAMILY MATTERS by Cineko Productions, Inc.
Family Matters’ is a heartwarming family-oriented film directed by Nuel Naval. It centers on the lives of an elderly couple, portrayed by Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena, who face the challenges of growing old and seeing their four children have their own lives.
3. MAMASAPANO: NOW IT CAN BE TOLD by Borracho Film Production
This film focuses on the real-life tragedy of the deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Special Action Force back in 2015. It’s directed by Lester Dimaranan and stars Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, and Paolo Gumabao.
4. MY FATHER, MYSELF by 3:16 Media Network
With Joel Lamangan as the director, this LGBTQ+ movie generated some controversy. It focuses on a closeted gay man named Robert, portrayed by Jake Cuenca. Several sensitive LGBTQ+ themes are addressed in the film. Many people expressed concern that the film would portray the LGBT+ community negatively, but Lamangan defended it, saying it taught a good life lesson and contained no n*dity or sensitive scenes.
5. LABYU WITH AN ACCENT by ABS-CBN Film Productions
The romantic comedy film stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Coco Martin, where the actors are in a fake whirlwind relationship. Martin co-directed the film with Malu Sevilla.
6. NANANAHIMIK ANG GABI by Rein Entertainment Productions
This er*t*c suspense thriller stars Ian Veneracion and Heaven Peralejo and is directed by Shugo Praico. The film has gotten a bit of attention recently when it was revealed that Veneracion would play as the younger Peralejo’s “sugar daddy.” Peralejo admitted she declined the role at least three times before finally deciding to give it a try.
7. PARTNERS IN CRIME by ABS-CBN Film Productions
For this year’s Vice Ganda’s MMFF entry, he collaborated with Ivana Alawi on another comedy film. The film promises to be “comedy with a heart,” where you will laugh but it will also be heartwarming.
8. THE TEACHER by TEN17P
This inspirational film stars Toni Gonzaga and Joey de Leon and is directed by Paul Soriano. It focuses on sacrifices and how teachers touch lives.
MMFF’s Parade of Stars and ‘Gabi ng Parangal’ Date, Details
The annual and much-awaited MMFF’s Parade of Stars will happen on December 21, starting at 3:30 PM.
The stars of the MMFF entries on their respective floats will go on a parade from the Mabuhay Rotonda and continue onward to the Quezon Memorial Circle, where the MMFF’s main activity will occur. It will cover a distance of 7.36 kilometers and is expected to take a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, the awards night, or the ‘Gabi Ng Parangal,’ will be on December 27 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
— Sally, The Summit Express