The Metro Manila Film Festival is returning to cinemas in December.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently revealed the eight official entries that made it to the competition.
These are:
1. “A Hard Day”
Starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, directed by Lawrence Fajardo
Production: Viva Communications, Inc.
2.“Big Night”
Starring Christian Bables, directed by Jun Robles Lana
Production: Cignal Entertainment, Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films
3. "Love At First Stream"
Starring Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma
Production: ABS CBN Films Productions, 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: Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, etc.
5. "Nelia"
Starring WynWyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, directed by Lester Dimaranan
Production: 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: TinCan
8. "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw"
Starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela
directed by Louie Ignacio
Production: Heaven's Best Entertainment
According to them, the eight official entries have been selected out of 19 finished films that were evaluated. The entries were chosen based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%; Commercial Appeal – 40%; Filipino Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.
MMDA and MMFF concurrent chairman Benhur Abalos urged the public to be one with the Filipino entertainment industry and the other stakeholders to make MMFF 2021 and the reopening of theaters a success.
"The long wait is over. 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 ," said Abalos during the announcement of the official entries in Quezon City today.
The MMFF 2021 will showcase a diverse line-up of eight movies, ranging from social drama, horror, action, suspense, romance, to comedy horror, he added.
Abalos said the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Trade and Industry have set guidelines to ensure that cinemas adhere to all the safety protocols as "we are still facing threats of COVID-19 despite the easing of restrictions."
Aside from showing the movie entries in cinemas, the film festival 2021 will also hold a parade and awards night in December.
The MMFF is an annual event held every Christmas organized primarily to promote and enhance the preservation of the Philippine cinema. Proceeds from the film festival go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry.