Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto urged the public to support the local film industry by watching the 10 official entries featured in the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) .
From December 25 to January 7, this year's MMFF will showcase the best of Philippine cinema, with no foreign films on display during the two-week event.
The city's role as the host for the festival was highlighted over the weekend with a grand celebration, including the MMFF's Grand Parade of Stars.
The event, led by Lacuna and Servo, kicked off at the Kartilya ng Katipunan and proceeded through the streets of Manila, culminating in a free Music Fest at the Manila Post Office.
The concert, which began at 6 p.m., featured local musicians in a lively tribute to Filipino artistry.
During the parade, floats adorned with artists from the 10 competing films captured the attention of festival-goers, as the procession made its way from the Bonifacio Shrine to the Manila Central Post Office.
The glittering event was a true testament to the vibrancy and diversity of the local film industry, marking the festival's golden anniversary with a spectacle of talent and creativity.
"Let's support Filipino films! A Merry Christmas to all, and a Honey-Yul year!" Lacuna said in her heartfelt message to the crowd before the parade began. Her call for the public to embrace homegrown cinema was echoed by Vice Mayor Servo, who emphasized the significance of supporting local artists, especially during this milestone year for the festival.
The 50th edition of the MMFF follows a rigorous selection process that began earlier this year.
From a total of 39 scripts submitted, the first five official entries were announced on July 16, at the Bulwagang Villegas in Manila City Hall.
A second batch of five films was selected from among finished works submitted by September 30.
These 10 films span various genres, reflecting the festival's commitment to offering diverse storytelling that resonates with Filipino audiences.
The theme of this year's MMFF, Sinesigla sa Singkwenta (Cinema Revived in 50 Years), reflects the festival's growth and enduring influence in Philippine culture.
With only Filipino films on screen, the MMFF offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase the richness of Philippine cinema.
As the two-week festival unfolds, Manila’s residents and visitors alike are encouraged to support the industry by patronizing the participating films, ensuring the continued success of Filipino artists and filmmakers.
The MMFF’s 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of films, but a reaffirmation of the importance of local cinema in shaping the Filipino cultural identity.
With each film representing the talent, creativity, and stories of the nation, this year’s festival is poised to inspire future generations of filmmakers and moviegoers alike.