Filipino Christmas will not be complete without watching entries to the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Now on its 45th edition, MMFF goes digital for the first time allowing giving it the flexibility to hold the event despite community quarantine measures. We’re just relieved at least one tradition will still be intact this upcoming holidays albeit on a different platform. Here are your 8 questions about MMFF 2020, answered.
When are the festival dates?
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced last Tuesday that the MMFF will start from Christmas Day, Dec. 25 to Jan. 7. We’re all stuck at home for the 12 days of Christmas (until forever) anyway which gives us infinite time to binge-watch all the entries. The best part is we don’t have to crowd malls, we could do it in the comfort of our homes.
How many films will be available for watching?
Since MMFF goes digital this year, Spokesperson Noel Ferrer mentioned that they “can play as many movies as [they] can.” They won’t be bounded by the number of cinemas available for screening and the festival can have a nationwide audience. Usually, there are only eight entries but with two more films added this year, 10 movies are selected for the final lineup.
What are these 10 movies?
The 10 movies are as follows:
- Magikland by Dir. Christian Acuna
- Cast: Miggs Cuaderno, Princess Aguilar, Elijah Alejo, Josh Eugenio, Hailey Mendes, and KenKen Nguyad
- Coming Home by Dir. Adolfo Alix Jr.
- Cast: Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Edgar Allan Guzman
- The Missing by Dir. Easy Ferrer
- Cast: Joseph Marco, Miles Ocampo, Ritz Azul
- Tagpuan by Dir. Mac Alejandre
- Cast: Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas, Shaina Magdayao
- Isa Pang Bahaghari by Dir. Joel Lamangan
- Cast: Nora Aunor, Philip Salvador, Michael de Mesa, Zanjoe Marudo, Maris Racal, Albie Casino, Joseph Marco, Sanya Lopez.
- Suarez the Healing Priest by Dir. Joven Tan
- Cast: John Arcilla
- Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim by Dir. Topel Lee
- Cast: Vhong Navarro, Jacklyn Jose, Barbie Imperial
- Pakboys Takusa by Dir. Al Tantay
- Cast: Dennis Padilla, Andrew E, Janno Gibbs, Jerald Napoles
- The Boy Foretold by the Stars by Dir. Dolly Dulu
- Cast: Keanne Johnson, Adrian Lindayag
- Fan Girl by Dir. Antoinette Jadaone
- Cast: Paulo Avelino, Charlie Dizon
What happened to the initial film lineup?
Last Jul. 17, 2020, MMFF posted an initial four-movie lineup based on submitted scripts. Of the four, only Dir. Christian Acuna’s Magikland remained. The other three are Dir. Chito Rono’s Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan (Joshua Garcia, Angie Ferro), Dir. Jun Lana’s The Super Praybeyt Benjamin (Vice Ganda, Maine Mendoza), and Dir. Fifth Solomon’s The Exorcism of My Siszums (Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga). There is no word yet on when or where these films will be screened.
Which entries should you look out for?
Mapapa-fan girl ka sa entry namin this year sa MMFF! 😍
Fan Girl, starring @mepauloavelino and @charliedizon_, directed by @tonetjadaone, is an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, happening on December 25! Exclusively streaming on @upstreamph #FanGirl4MMFF pic.twitter.com/u6MSlKwuTn
— Globe Studios (@globestudiosph) November 24, 2020
Why aren’t the usual stars present this year?
You might’ve noticed that there isn’t a Vice Ganda entry this year or a Vic Sotto, or a Coco Martin one either. Surprise, surprise. Those expecting to cozy up to Vice’s film The Super Praybeyt Benjamin this holiday have to wait a little longer. But since the veteran MMFF players are sitting it out this year, fans can eagerly wait for their comeback. There was supposed to be an MMFF Summer edition but it was postponed due to the pandemic. Who knows, maybe it will push through in 2021 with these films instead.
How can you stream?
Congratulations to the 10 finalists that will be on the year’s Metro Manila Film Festival!
Tuloy ang MMFF para sa lahat ng Pilipino, exclusively on #UPSTREAM this December 25, 2020. #MMFFonUPSTREAM
For updates on the latest content drops, go to https://t.co/xrZQEYECJJ! pic.twitter.com/LRAPe0BQvX
— UPSTREAM (@UPSTREAMph) November 24, 2020
MMFF has partnered with Globe Telecom and local video-on-demand platform Upstream to bring the films closer to every Filipino. You can screen the movies on your laptops and phones via GMovies or by visiting upstream.ph.
Where can you buy tickets?
According to ABS-CBN News, each film entry will cost P250 but it can be enjoyed by the entire family or your barkada. News about online ticket selling is soon to be announced but if it’s directly purchased via Upstream, it’s going to be relatively easy. All you have to do is register a GMovies account, select the MMFF movie of your choice once available, and choose your preferred payment method. You can pay via GCash or credit/debit card. You can find your paid films in the “My Shows” tab.
Which movie are you most excited to see at MMFF 2020?
