Four Filipino films were shortlisted in this year’s edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Friday, July 8.
The first four MMFF 2022 official entries were: Labyu with an Accent, Nananahimik ang Gabi, Partners in Crime, and The Teacher.
Labyu with an Accent is produced by the ABS-CBN Film Productions. It will be starred by Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria; and directed by Rodel Nacianceno. Meanwhile, Nananahimik ang Gabi stars Ian Veneracion, Mon Confiado, and Heaven Peralejo under the supervision of director Shugo Praico and produced by Rein Entertainment Productions.
Partners in Crime is top-billed by ace comedian Vice Ganda and actress Ivana Alawi under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina and produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions. The fourth entry, Partners in Crime, was produced by TEN17P and directed by Paul Soriano starring Joey de Leon and Toni Gonzaga.
The MMDA said that the MMFF, which is now on its 48th year, “is alive and upbeat” and will promote the message “Balik Saya” as the agency tries to bring back the season of joy for all Filipinos amid the uncertainty brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“May we continue to support Filipino films back where it should be enjoyed, in the theaters/movie houses,” the MMDA said.
The Selection Committee was headed by Boots Anson-Roa and Jesse Ejercito, two multi-awarded and respected leaders in the film industry, as chairman and vice chairman respectively.
The top four films were chosen based on the following criteria: 40 percent for artistic excellence; 40 percent for commercial appeal; 10 percent for Filipino cultural sensibility; and 10 percent for global appeal.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the finished film submission shall be on September 2 for early birds and September 30 for regular submission. Four other official MMFF entries will also be announced by the end of the submission period.