Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, along with director Mae Cruz-Alviar, were spotted at the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) offices for the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) press conference. This year, the horror-thriller genre dominates the submitted entries, accounting for 40 percent. MMDA chair Romando “Don” Artes mentioned that the selection process for the remaining four finalists will focus on the project’s effects and execution.
The MMFF, organized by the MMDA, has a rule that allows only two films per genre to compete in the festival. The first four finalists, announced during the press conference, were selected based on their submitted scripts. Artes mentioned that they received numerous submissions in the horror, suspense, and thriller genres, and they are excited to see the final films that will truly stand out.
The first four MMFF entries include a dramatic film titled “A Mother and Son’s Story,” directed by Nuel Naval and produced by Cineko Productions. It stars Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards and has executive producers Enrico A. Rogue, Patrick F. Menses, and Jacky Lim. Another entry is the horror-thriller “(K)Ampon,” directed by King Palisoc and produced by Quantum Films. It stars Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay, with Josabeth Alonso as the executive producer. The action fantasy film “Penduko,” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and produced by Sari Sari Network, stars Cristine Reyes and Matteo Guidicelli, with Jane Basas as the executive producer. Lastly, the romantic drama “Rewind,” directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., stars Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, with Carlo L. Katigbak and Kriz Anthony G. Gazmen as the executive producers.
Artes mentioned that actress Boots Anson-Roa, who used to lead the selection committee, had to resign this year as she is part of one entry. Film producer Jesse Ejercito took over her position for this year’s festival. Ejercito mentioned that the selection process was challenging due to the high number of interesting scripts and star-studded film projects.
Artes explained that they are not looking for specific genres but aim to strike a balance among the entries. They have a rule of picking only two movies per genre, although there are instances of overlapping genres. They rely on the submissions and the standards set by the selection committee members.
Noel Ferrer, the MMFF spokesperson, highlighted the importance of catering to a broad market and aiming for excellence in the selected films. He also mentioned that preparations are underway for the MMFF’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2024. As a kickoff, the MMDA has partnered with American producer Lisa Lew of P & L Media to organize an “international edition” of the 49th MMFF, with all eight entries being screened in the United States.
Artes shared that the international edition will be screened in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, with Filipino-American actors in Hollywood serving as jurors for the awards ceremony. The event will be launched in October during Filipino Heritage Week in Los Angeles.
The year’s MMFF edition will be hosted by the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. The organizers hope to have as many theaters as possible open this time, surpassing last year’s earnings of P501 million. Artes explained that the repair of projectors, which were not used during the pandemic lockdowns, was a challenge faced in the previous edition.
Reflecting on the recent 1st Summer MMFF, Artes acknowledged that the playdate is crucial for its success. He mentioned that opening the festival on Black Saturday, when most Filipinos prefer to go on vacation, affected the response. If they decide to continue the Summer MMFF, they are considering holding it on May 1, a holiday when people have just received their monthly salaries.
In conclusion, the MMFF is in full swing with the selection of its first four finalists. The festival aims to cater to a diverse audience, strike a balance among genres, and uphold a degree of excellence. Plans are already in motion for the 50th anniversary celebration in 2024, starting with an international edition of this year’s festival. The MMFF hopes to surpass previous earnings and learn from past experiences to improve future editions.
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