The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrated the start of its golden jubilee today, July 16, with a grand launch of its 50th edition under the theme 'Sine-Sigla sa Singkwenta.'
This special event highlighted MMFF's significant contributions to the local film and entertainment industry, as well as its role in bolstering the country's creative economy by generating jobs for Filipinos.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, a staunch supporter of Philippine arts and culture, graced the occasion with her presence. She praised the MMFF as a beacon of Filipino creativity and talent for five decades, highlighting its significant influence on the nation's artistic spirit.
Leading the ceremonies was MMFF and concurrent Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes. He emphasized the significant support for the film industry, stating, "Nais kong banggitin na simula 2016, ang mga amusement taxes na nai-waive ng mga LGUs para sa MMFF ay 100 porsyento na inilaan sa ating mga benepisyaryo, tulad ng Movie Workers Welfare Fund (MOWELFUND), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Optical Media Board (OMB), at Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) - isang pagkilala sa kanilang napakahalagang kontribusyon sa industriya. Ito ay nagpapakita ng ating suporta sa ating masisipag na manggagawa sa pelikula, na nagpapahintulot sa kanila na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang gawain sa larangan ng paggawa ng pelikula.
A commemorative video showcased five decades of MMFF's impact on Philippine cinema, culminating in the reveal of the 50th-anniversary logo. This visual tribute underscored the festival's legacy and its contributions to the film industry.
Hosts Jake Ejercito and Isabelle Daza kept the audience engaged as they unveiled a series of monthly activities planned to celebrate this milestone anniversary:
• August: Launch of a special MMFF classic posters mural in partnership with i-Academy
• September: "Sine-Singkwenta" featuring 50 selected Filipino movies that will be shown in theaters for only P50.
• October: Regional launch of MMFF50, including the MMFF50 Student Film Caravan at Universidad de Manila in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). This event will feature a two-day masterclass on cinematography and scriptwriting for 100 senior high school and college students. Additionally, there will be a celebrity golf tournament and an MMFF50 Masterclass with international Filipino screenwriters, producers, and animators
• December: The annual MMFF50 Parade of Stars on December 15, the Movie Premiere week from December 15 to 20, MMFF Sponsors Night on December 21, and the highly anticipated MMFF50 Gabi ng Parangal on December 27. To commemorate this event, MMFF will present a customized trophy for the Gabi ng Parangal, crafted by renowned Filipino artist Jefré.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also expressed her support, highlighting MMFF's role in the city's cultural and economic landscape. She noted that the MMFF has been a vital part of Manila's cultural and economic scene, fostering both artistic talent and community spirit. Mayor Lacuna emphasized that the city is proud to support an event that enriches its cultural heritage and provides jobs and inspiration for its people.
In September 1975, former President Ferdinand Marcos expanded its scope to include the greater Manila area, renaming it the 'Metropolitan Film Festival". Today, the MMFF is an annual event organized by the MMDA and held nationwide, running from Christmas Day through New Year's Day and into the first weekend of January, focusing exclusively on Filipino-produced films.
One of the celebration's highlights was the reveal of the first five official movie entries for MMFF50, generating excitement among attendees and setting the stage for a vibrant festival season.
The first five official movie entries for the 50th edition of the MMFF chosen based on script submissions are:
1. AND THE BREAD WINNER IS...
by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. & The Ideafirst Company
Directed by JUN ROBLES LANA Written by DAISY CAYANAN, JUMBO A. ALBANO, & JUN ROBLES LANA
Genre: Comedy
Lead Star: Vice Ganda
2. GREEN BONES
by GMA Pictures
Directed by ZIG DULAY
Written by RICKY LEE & ANGELI ATIENZA
Genre: Suspense Drama
Lead Stars: Dennis Trillo & Sofia Pablo
3. HIMALA, ISANG MUSIKAL
by Kapitol Films / Uxs, Inc.
Directed by JOSE LORENZO 'PEPE' DIOKNO
Written by RICKY LEE & JOSE LORENZO 'PEPE' DIOKNO
Genre: Musical
Lead Stars: David Ezra, Victor Robinson, Aicelle Santos & Bituin Escalante
4. STRANGE FREQUENCIES: HAUNTED HOSPITAL
by Reality MM Studios, Inc.
Directed by KERWIN GO
Written by KERWIN GO, DUSTIN CELESTINO, & LEOVIC ARCETA
Genre: Horror
Lead Stars: Enrique Gil, Rob Gomez Jane De Leon, Alexa Miro & MJ Lastimosa
5. THE KINGDOM
by APT Entertainment, Inc., MZET TV Productions, Inc., MQuest Ventures, Inc.
Directed by MICHAEL TUVIERA Written by MICHAEL NGU-NARIO Genre: Family Drama
Lead Stars: Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Sue Ramirez & Cristine Reyes