Photo with the representatives of the first four entries of MMFF 51
MANILA (UPDATED) — The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) kicked off its 51st edition on Tuesday, unveiling the first batch of entries for this year's competition.
Hosted by Enchong Dee and Jervi "Kaladkaren" Wrightson, the launch and announcement of entries was held at a mall in Makati and live-streamed on the festival's official Facebook page.
The first four entries include:
- "Call Me Mother" starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda, directed by Jun Robles Lana
- "Rekonek" starring Gerald Anderson, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Carmina Villaroel, and Zoren Legaspi, directed by Jade Castro
- "Manila's Finest" starring Piolo Pascual, directed by Rae Red
- "Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins" starring Ivana Alawi, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Carla Abellana, Ysabel Ortega, Ashley Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu and Seth Fedelin, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman and Ian Lorenos
The theme of this year's festival is "MMFF 51: A New Era for Philippine Cinema."
The next four MMFF entries for this year will be announced on September 30, and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes is optimistic about the quality of this year's entries.
"Very promising ang first four entries natin based on script malalaki yung artista, magagaling ang direktor. Hopefully, yung next four ay kasing ganda o mas maganda pa," he said. "We’re hoping the 51st edition ushers in a new era of Philippine cinema."
According to Artes, 23 scripts were submitted this year, from which the first four entries were selected. This year, the festival will return to its eight-entry format after experimenting with ten films in recent years.
"Noon, sampu, nahihirapan kami mag-distribute ng cinemas. Sa walo, mas maraming sinehan ang makakakuha ng slots at mas malaki ang chance ng bawat pelikula na kumita," Artes explained.
Meanwhile, the local government of Makati is preparing logistical and promotional support for the MMFF festivities, as they are set to host the MMFF Parade of Stars for the first time.
"Kasama siyempre ng MMDA at ng City Government of Makati, we will make sure na bonggang-bongga ang parada at siyempre yung awarding din ay talagang paghahandaan namin ni Chairman Artes," said Makati Mayor Nancy Binay. "Sa aking mga kababayan dito sa Makati, supportahan at abangan po natin ang Parade of Stars."
Binay also hinted at potential discounted tickets for students and senior citizens, though this is still subject to discussion with cinema owners.
"Makikiusap kami sa exhibitors para mas maraming maka-afford at makapanood. Gusto naming bigyan ng pagkakataon ang lahat," said Binay.
When asked about the return of the "Shake Rattle and Roll" franchise to the MMFF, Artes said: "Hindi naman namin ibinalik. Napili ito dahil maganda ang script at malalaki ang artista. Sinunod ng selection committee ang panuntunan at nakita nilang karapat-dapat ito."
As the film entries continue to roll out, both officials are optimistic about box office performance. The 50th edition reportedly earned over ₱820 million, and this year, the MMDA and Makati City are setting their sights higher with a ₱1 billion box office goal.
"Aim high tayo. With strong support from the public and local government, kaya natin," said Artes.
Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the MMFF is an annual event featuring competing films that traditionally screen from Christmas Day through the New Year.