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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Here are the MMFF 2021 movies you must see, according to director Jose Javier Reyes

Here are the MMFF 2021 movies you must see, according to director Jose Javier Reyes

Published Dec 29, 2021 01:28 pm

With only days left until the end of the festival’s run, the noted filmmaker challenges moviegoers’ prejudicial statements with his top picks from MMFF 2021’s movie roster

It is an understatement to say that this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is unlike its previous editions. While people continue to question many things that go into it, we cannot take its merit for it championing local movies. And if you haven’t yet seen any of the entries in this year’s MMFF, film industry veteran Jose Javier Reyes lists down what he considers as must-sees, and even describes them as “valid reasons why the MMFF should keep on going.”

“I feel that these works deserve a much larger audience than what the other more commercial ones can possibly generate,” he wrote. “Sayang if these films do not get the affirmation from the Christmas crowd simply because they have chosen to make statements rather than service popular taste.”

Along with National Artist Virgilio Almario, editor and post-production head Manet Dayrit, musical director Nonong Buencamino, scriptwriter Ricky Lee, actress Cherry Pie Picache, former chairperson Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Rachel Arenas, MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer, and Sen. Christopher Go (represented by CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera), the noted film director sat as one of this year’s juror and screened the entries.

Here are his top picks.

‘A Hard Day’ by Law Fajardo

‘Kun Maupay It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine)’by Carlo Francisco Manatad

‘Big Night’ by Jun Robles Lana

“So is it worth the risk of going to a cinema to watch a film? These are three very good reasons to do so,” the noted filmmaker added. “If only to affirm the bravery and effort of the filmmakers who put these three films together, then please do so.”

Read his full review here.

Related Tags

Metro Manila Film Festival Jose Javier Reyes joey reyes Arts and Culture
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