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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider 51st MMFF extended, to review ticket prices

51st MMFF extended, to review ticket prices

Published Jan 7, 2026 10:33 am
The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been extended and will now run until Jan. 14, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes announced.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes (Facebook)
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes (Facebook)
Artes said the MMFF was extended due to insistent public demand, with its post-New Year box-office grosses surpassing those of the previous year.
"After the New Year, compared to last year, the daily gross of the MMFF51 films has gone up," said Artes in an interview. "So the showing of MMFF51 films will be extended for one more week, including the use of MMFF Season Passes.
Manuel Noel Ferrer, spokesperson for MMFF, said the uptick in ticket sales is a testament to the power of positive word of mouth and the return of moviegoers from their holiday breaks, despite the festival falling short of last year's overall earnings.
"The festival's lineup has been a major draw, with seven out of eight MMFF movies reaching the eight-digit mark in gross receipts (some even surpassing it) , a remarkable achievement that underscores the festival's ability to deliver films that resonate with audiences," Ferrer said.
Despite the challenges posed by filming under adverse weather conditions and natural calamities last year, the MMFF 2025 roster has produced the highest-grossing Filipino film of the year, a testament to the resilience and creativity of Filipino filmmakers, he added.
This achievement is an example of the festival's long history and tradition of showcasing the best of local cinema, providing opportunities for filmmakers and artists to showcase their talents to a wide range of audiences.
"Even as the festival faces criticism from netizens and filmmakers alike over high ticket prices, which some argue are deterring audiences from watching local films," Ferrer said.
Manuel Noel Ferrer, spokesperson for MMFF
Manuel Noel Ferrer, spokesperson for MMFF
Movie tickets
Also, the MMDA is considering reviewing ticket prices to boost attendance, with Artes suggesting that lowering prices could lead to higher sales volume.
"The festival is exploring incentives, such as volume sales or promo bundle schemes, to make cinema more accessible to a broader audience," Artes said. "The MMFF is committed to enhancing the movie-watching experience, as evidenced by its ongoing dialogue with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP)."
The festival is exploring incentives, such as volume sales or promo bundle schemes, to make cinema more accessible to a broader audience.
On New Year's Day, Jun Robles Lana, the director of "Call Me Mother," expressed concern over the rising cost of movie tickets.
On X (formerly Twitter), Lana remarked that the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) used to be the "people's festival," where ordinary workers could take their children to see their favorite stars on the big screen. Lana's full post:
"For decades, the MMFF was the 'people's festival.' It was the one time of year when ordinary workers took their children to the mall to see their idols. But today, a family of four would need at least ₱1,500 just to enter the theater, not including transportation or even a single bag of popcorn.
"By pricing the ordinary Filipino out of the theater, the industry hasn't just lost customers, it has lost its soul. Cinema has shifted from a shared national culture to a middle-class privilege.
"You cannot promote a 'National' Film Festival while maintaining prices that exclude the nation. Until we admit that cinema has become a luxury that the '₱500 Noche Buena' family cannot afford, we are simply watching the slow, expensive sunset of Philippine cinema," Lana wrote.
Free concert
Adding to the excitement, a free concert is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2026, in the Middle East, featuring stars from MMFF films, including Love You So Bad, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, Unmarry, Bar Boys: After School, and I'mPerfect. The event will also showcase world-class performers and Pinoy pride artists, such as Sofronio Vasquez, John Arcilla, Morissette, and Bamboo.
To accommodate the overwhelming demand, the MMFF has announced an extension of its screening schedule by another week, with the MMFF Season Pass remaining valid.
"As we celebrate the success of the 51st MMFF, let us continue to support the festival and the Filipino film industry, which has given us so much to be proud of.
"Let us keep the momentum going and show everyone that we will always help keep Filipino cinema alive and thriving," Artes added.
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