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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider MMFF movies back to theaters

MMFF movies back to theaters

Published Dec 19, 2021 12:05 am

Editorial

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2021 "Parade of Stars" is back, making a historic move by going fluvial today, Dec. 19, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Instead of the elaborate floats that moved along a major street in the past years, ferry boats will carry celebrities of official movie entries in this year's film festival. It is a move that aims to showcase the movie entries, and also to present the Pasig Ferry Service as an alternative transportation around Metro Manila.

"Through this fluvial parade, we hope to encourage the public to ride the ferry service, which sails from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig to Escolta in Manila. This alternative transportation is traffic-free, and you’ll get to appreciate the beauty of the river and the arts along the riverbanks," MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said.

Movie fans can watch the parade and wave at their favorite celebrities and other parade participants at the side of the Pasig River while eight ferry boats travel the 7.66-kilometer parade route along the river, passing through the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Makati.

The parade will start at the Guadalupe Ferry Station and will go straight eastbound towards C-5 Bagong Ilog Bridge where it will make a U-turn, stop at the Pasig City side, and then straight to the Makati Circuit which will be the endpoint.

One lane along J.P Rizal from Guadalupe Ferry Station up to University of Makati will be utilized as a drop-off point for MMFF guests and participants.

In 2020, the 45th edition of the MMFF made history when it was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. It grossed nearly a billion pesos but was still short of its target revenue following its two-week run with fans paying to watch the MMFF movies through the video-on-demand platform Upstream.

Today, the MMFF 2021 signals the film industry’s reopening for business following a long pause due to the restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Theaters and movie houses were closed for almost two years, causing the local box office to lose millions in revenues, and the loss of livelihood for thousands working in the industry.

Now that the theaters have reopened, let us help the entertainment business by supporting the annual film fest.

With movie fans going back to theaters and a diverse line-up of eight movies, ranging from social drama, horror, action, suspense, romance, to comedy-horror, the MMFF is upbeat that it will reach its target this year.

The eight movies will be shown starting Christmas Day until January 8, 2022.

Movie patrons are reminded to follow the health and safety protocols – wear a mask and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Metro Manila is still under Alert Level 2 until Dec. 31, 2021, which means the cinemas will be able to accommodate only 50 percent indoor capacity.

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