This year’s upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is coming back to theaters, unlike last year’s edition which was held online due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The long wait is over,” said Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF concurrent chairman Benhur Abalos in a press conference held last November 12. “There is no stopping the Metro Manila Film Festival. We are bringing back the MMFF to the silver screens that have been shut down for almost two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The MMDA is the government body that organizes and oversees MMFF. As Metro Manila eases into lessening restrictions while still implementing health and safety protocols for events, the agency has coupled these new developments by rolling out a vaccination program for movie industry workers.
Out of 19 entries, a total of eight films have been narrowed down for the final lineup, consisting of:
1. “A Hard Day”
Starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla
Directed by Lawrence Fajardo
Production by Viva Communications, Inc.
2. “Big Night”
Starring Christian Bables
Directed by Jun Robles Lana
Production by Cignal Entertainment, Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films
3. "Love At First Stream"
Starring Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma
Production by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., Kwentolabs, Inc.
4. “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether The Weather Is Fine)”
Starring Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos
Directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad
Production by Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, etc.
5. "Nelia"
Starring WynWyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing
Directed by Lester Dimaranan
Production by A and Q Production Films
6. “Huwag Kang Lalabas”
Starring Kim Chiu, Beauty Gonzales, Aiko Melendes
Directed by Adolf Alix, Jr.
7. "The Exorsis"
Starring Toni and Alex Gonzaga
Directed by Fifth Solomon
Production by TinCan
8. "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw"
Starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela
Directed by Louie Ignacio
Production by Heaven's Best Entertainment
All 8 films will be shown in cinemas from December 25 to January 8.