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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider 49th MMFF unveils 10 official entries

49th MMFF unveils 10 official entries

Published Oct 17, 2023 06:14 am

At A Glance

  • The movies were selected from a record-high of 30 submissions, by distinguished members of the MMFF selection committee, led by respected producer and film industry stalwart Jessie Ejercito.
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FROM LEFT: Producer and film industry stalwart Jessie Ejercito, MMDA Acting Chairman and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes, Atty. Rochelle Ona, Executive Director; and Noel Ferrer, MMFF spokesperson. (MMDA Facebook)

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced today, Oct. 17, the 10 official entries to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The official MMFF 2023 entries based on finished film formats are:

1. BECKY AND BADETTE

by The Ideafirst Company

Starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang

GENRE: Comedy

DIRECTED & WRITTEN BY: Jun Robles Lana

2. BROKEN HEARTS TRIP

by Smart Films Productions, OPC in cooperation with BMC Films

Starring Christian Bables, Andoy Ranay, Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Iyah Mina, and Petite

GENRE: Comedy

DIRECTED by: Emuel Lorca

WRITTEN by: Archie Del Mundo

3. FIREFLY

by GMA Pictures (of GMA Network Inc.)

Starring Alessandra De Rossi, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Ysabel Ortega, Max Collins, Euwenn Mikaell, Epi Quizon, Miguel Tanfelix, and with the special participation of Dingdong Dantes

GENRE: Fantasy

DIRECTED by: Zig Madamba Dulay

WRITTEN by: Angeli Atienza

4. GOMBURZA

by Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.

Starring Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan and Dante Rivero

GENRE: Historical

DIRECTED by: Pepe Diokno

WRITTEN by: Rodolfo Vera and Pepe Diokno

5. MALLARI

by Mentorque Productions

Starring Piolo Pascual

GENRE: Horror

DIRECTED by: Derick Cabrido

WRITTEN by: Enrico C. Santos

6. WHEN I MET YOU IN TOKYO

by JG Productions

Starring Christopher De Leon and Vilma Santos

GENRE: Romance

DIRECTED by: Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa, and Christopher De Leon

WRITTEN by: Suzette Doctolero

Last July 10, the first 4 official entries based on script submissions were:

7. Family of Two (A MOTHER AND SON'S STORY) by Cineko Productions, Inc.

8. K(AMPON) by Quantum Films

9. PENDUKO by Sari Sari Network

10. REWIND by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, Inc. and Agostodos Pictures, Inc.

The movies were selected from a record-high of 30 submissions, by distinguished members of the MMFF selection committee, led by respected producer and film industry stalwart Jessie Ejercito.

The criteria used in the selection of official entries are artistic excellence (40 percent), commercial appeal (40 percent), Filipino cultural value (10 percent), and global appeal (10 percent).

"Ang 10 na napiling pelikula ay talagang napakagaganda. Ito rin ay base sa aming napanood na trailers at actors at actresses na bumuo ng mga pelikula na ito,” said MMDA Acting Chairman and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

Among the entries that were snubbed include "Pieta" (Nora Aunor), "In His Mother's Eyes" (Maricel Soriano, Roderick Paulate and LA Santos), "Good Game" (Donny Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa), "Nocturno" (Nadine Lustre), "That Kind of Love (Barbie Forteza and David Licauco), "Song of the Fireflies" (Morissette Amon), and "Selda Tres" (Cesar Montano).

Following the announcement, the MMDA said the production can now start the promotional efforts for the 49th MMFF which will run from Dec. 25, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024 in theaters nationwide.

The Parade of Stars in the sponsor cities of CaMaNaVa (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) will be held on Dec. 16 or 17, 2023 and the Gabi ng Parangal will be on Dec.27.

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