Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Chairman lawyer Don Artes and Movie Worker’s Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) Chair Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo led the announcement of the eight official entries of the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival during a special meeting held at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Pasig City on Friday, Feb. 24.
The first Summer MMFF will run for an 11-day period, from April 8 to 18, in all cinemas nationwide in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).
The Parade of Stars which is set to be held in Quezon City will take place on April 2 while the Awards Night is scheduled to take place at the New Frontier Theater on April 11.
The eight official entries for the 2023 Summer MMFF are:
1. Apag
Producer: Center Stage Production
Director: Brillante Mendoza
Cast: Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, Gladys Reyes
Genre: Crime Drama
2. Singlebells
Producer: TINCAN
Director: Fifth Solomon
Cast: Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto
Genre: Romantic Comedy
3. About Us But Not About Us
Producer: Octoberian Films, The Ideafirst Company, Quantum Films
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Cast: Romnick Sarmenta, Elijah Canlas
Genre: Drama Thriller
4. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko
Producer: Saranggola Media Productions, Inc.
Director: Joven Tan
Cast: RK Bagatsing, Meg Imperial
Genre: Musical
5. Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
Producer: MAVX Productions Inc.
Director: RC Delos Reyes
Cast: Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla
Genre: Drama
6. Here Comes The Groom
Producer: Quantum Films, CineKo Productions, Brightlight Productions
Director: Chris Martinez
Cast: Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilohuette, Maris Racal, Kalad Karen
Genre: Comedy
7. Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko
Producer: Viva Communications, Inc.
Director: Bela Padilla
Cast: Yoo Min-Gon, Bela Padilla
Genre: Romance Drama
8. Love You Long Time
Producer: Studio Three Sixty Inc.
Director: JP Habac
Cast: Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano
Genre: Romance
Surprisingly, there were no horror or action movies that made it to the inaugural filmfest. There were 33 entries submitted for consideration to the committee.
"There were many horror and sexy films submitted to the MMFF. However, they did not meet the criteria of the selecting committee," said Roa-Rodrigo.
The criteria for judging are: artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), Filipino cultural sensibility (10%), and global appeal (10%).
Among the big stars participating in this year's filmfest are Coco Martin, Alex Gonzaga, Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla, Enchong Dee, etc.
Based on rules, stars participating in the summer filmfest are obliged to join the parade and promote their films. If not, they will be penalized, organizers said.
Organized by the MMDA, the MMFF is primarily to promote and enhance the preservation of Philippine Cinema.
Proceeds from the film fest go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry including the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc., Motion Picture and Anti-Film Piracy Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Optical Media Board.