The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is looking into the possibility of lowering cinema ticket prices for Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries, following ongoing conversations about how accessible the festival still is for everyday moviegoers.
Photo: MMFF/Facebook
In a recent press briefing, MMDA chairman Romando “Don” Artes said the agency is open to reviewing ticket prices with cinema operators, with the goal of making MMFF films easier for more people to watch.
According to Artes, discussions with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines—whose members own and operate most cinemas—have already happened in the past, though they haven’t always been fully revisited in recent years.
“May mga previous discussions naman sa Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines na nagmay-may-ari ng mga sinehan. Hindi pa lang siguro namin naupuan these past years. But now, seriously, we are considering na i-request na sa kanila na i-revisit ‘yung presyo ng sine,” Artes shared.
He added that the MMDA is open to exploring a different pricing approach, where slightly lower ticket prices could potentially lead to higher attendance overall.
“Maybe this time, we have to try a new formula. Baka naman ‘yung ibabawas natin sa ticket price ay makuha natin in terms of volume,” he said, while also acknowledging that final pricing decisions remain with cinema owners due to operating and maintenance costs.
Artes also noted that the MMDA regularly reviews feedback after every MMFF to see where improvements can be made.
“Dinidiscuss namin ‘yan with the producers, with the stakeholders. So aayusin namin definitely. Lagi naman kami nag-improve every time. I-aaddress namin lahat ng concerns,” he said.
The discussion around ticket prices gained renewed attention after filmmaker Jun Robles Lana shared his thoughts on social media, reflecting on how moviegoing during MMFF has changed over the years. Lana pointed out that what was once considered a “people’s festival” now feels less attainable for many families, especially when factoring in the cost of tickets alone.
He stressed that promoting a national film festival comes with the challenge of ensuring it remains accessible to the very audience it aims to celebrate.
The 51st edition of the MMFF featured eight film entries this year: Call Me Mother, Manila’s Finest, Rekonek, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, Bar Boys: After School, I’mPerfect, Love You So Bad, and Unmarry.
For now, discussions on ticket pricing are still ongoing, but the MMDA says it remains open to adjustments as it continues to assess how the festival can evolve in the coming years.
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