You heard it right! The 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), now on its 47th edition, will return to cinemas from December 25 until January 8 next year. This comes after the 46th MMFF film entries were streamed online last year due to the pandemic's heightened restrictions.
Formerly known as the Metropolitan Film Festival, the annual film festival held in Metro Manila traces back to 1975. Based on Noel Ferrer’s statement on Pep, MMFF executive committee spokesperson, this film festival is the “biggest, most popular, and longest-running local film fest.”
The festival is traditionally held from the 25th of December until the first weekend of January the following year. It only streams films chosen by the MMFF jurors. During this week-long event, the streaming of foreign films will be postponed in Philippine cinemas (except in 3D and IMAX theaters) until the MMFF is over.
However, for many Filipinos, the MMFF is more than just streaming pelikulang gawang pinoy; its definition extends as a celebration of Christmas traditions.
"For many Filipinos, the MMFF is more than just streaming pelikulang gawang pinoy; its definition extends as a celebration of Christmas traditions."
MMFF and the Filipino Christmas Tradition
According to Ferrer, “COVID cannot dampen the Filipino Christmas spirit, and the MMFF Executive Committee has decided to bring this holiday tradition.”
Watching movies from the MMFF has long been a part of the Filipino Christmas custom. We've seen how MMFF has effectively produced blockbuster films in the past, appealing to a wide range of target markets. The featured films’ genres range from romance, comedy, family, action to horror. While celebrating Christmas, moviegoers are presented with various movies to enjoy with their families.
Regardless of the number of movie-goers, Filipinos are always ready to queue up just to get movie tickets for their anticipated films. As Ferrer added, “we hope to expand the audience percentage by the holiday season so that MMFF may reach more people and the Filipino Christmas experience will be complete by watching MMFF movies.”
According to Andrew Diano, a fourth-year BA Communication student from the University of the Philippines Baguio, it’s exciting to see new films on the big screen. He added that “It's a good reassurance lang for me that the PH cinema is doing its best to keep the spirit of film alive.”
Based on Denise Jamias, a fourth-year BA Communication student at the same university, the return of MMFF to theaters is the first step toward the gradual opening of cinemas around the country.
The ‘Magic 8’
The magic 8 for this year’s MMFF marks the ‘hopeful start’ for local films returning to big screens. The MMFF announced on November 13 this year’s eight (8) official entries.
On a Facebook post, MMDA and MMFF Chair Benhur Abalos stated that “It has been our desire for our theater partners to bounce back to business once again, and we are helping them build the confidence in the movie audiences and encourage them to go back to watching films where they should be enjoyed to the fullest – the cinemas. Thus, this year’s MMFF will be back in the cinemas where they initially and rightfully belong.”
Nineteen films were submitted, but only eight were chosen by the MMFF jurors, headed by Ms. Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, a multi-awarded and much-respected leader of the film industry. The Top 8 were selected on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%; Commercial Appeal – 40%; Filipino Cultural Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.
Here are the eight official entries that made it to the competition.
A HARD DAY
A Hard Day is an action film produced by Viva Communications, Inc. It is directed by Law Fajardo, starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla.
HULING ULAN SA TAG-ARAW
This film’s genre is romantic comedy. This is produced by Heaven’s Best Entertainment and directed by Louie Ignacio. The lead actors are Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.
THE EXORSIS
The Exorsis film genre is horror-comedy. This is produced by TINCAN, and directed by actor and former PBB housemate Fifth Solomon. The Gonzaga sisters (Toni and Alex) are the leading actresses for this film.
NELIA
Nelia is a suspense drama produced by A and Q Production Films, Inc., directed by Lester Dimaranan, and featuring Winwyn Marques and Raymond Bagatsing.
HUWAG KANG LALABAS
Huwag Kang Lalabas is a horror film featuring Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Beauty Gonzalez, and Aiko Melendez. This film is directed by Adolf Alix, Jr. and produced by Obra Cinema.
BIG NIGHT!
This comedy film is produced by Cignal Entertainment, The Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films, and directed by Jun Robles Lana, starring Christian Bables and John Arcilla.
LOVE AT FIRST STREAM
Love at First Stream is a romantic comedy film starring Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, and Anthony Jennings. This is produced by Star Cinema and Kumu, and directed by Cathy-Garcia Molina.
KUN MAUPAY MAN IT PANAHON
Kun Maupay Man it Panahon is produced by Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, iWant TFC, Globe Studios, Black Sheep, Quantum Films, Inc., AAAND Company, Kawankawan Media, Weydemann Bros. and CMB Films. It is directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad and features Charo Santos-Concio, Daniel Padilla, and Rans Rifol.
As part of safety measures, Ferrer added that “the MMDA/MMFF has helped vaccinate film industry members, production companies and our partner-theater operators to ensure the safety and welfare of our stakeholders, and attempt to restart our economy by pressing to the IATF the reopening of the cinemas.”
On the one hand, the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) released their guidelines for gradually opening cinemas titled “Sa Sine Safe ka.” This is tailored after the US’ “CinemaSafe” measures, developed by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO).
MMFF and the Film Industry
The pandemic dramatically affected the entertainment industry. With heightened restrictions and fear of contracting the virus, filmmakers were forced to halt their operation and content production. For over a year, no films were released in theaters; instead, online streaming platforms were utilized. However, this has resulted in an increase in film piracy cases.
Based on the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association (PMPPA) report, the country’s film industry has already lost Php. 16 billion since March 2020. Meanwhile, the MMFF, which usually garners around ₱1 billion every year — barely earned ₱25 million in 2020.
The reopening of cinemas, as well as the return of the MMFF, are gradual steps toward reviving the film industry. This will also serve as an avenue to showcase the boundless talent and creativity of local artists around the country.
"The reopening of cinemas, as well as the return of the MMFF, are gradual steps toward reviving the film industry."
The film festival's proceeds go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry. Furthermore, the acknowledgement of films produced and created by Filipinos ensures the survival and growth of local films and cinema. #SupportLocal #MMFF2021
"The acknowledgement of films produced and created by Filipinos ensures the survival and growth of local films and cinema. #SupportLocal #MMFF2021"
Graphics by: Nicole Pacardo
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