The MMFF 2023 box-office earnings have reached an all-time high! This is according to MMDA acting chairman and concurrent MMFF execom chairman, lawyer Don Artes during a recent press conference.
Photos: Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Official
The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has reportedly achieved significant and unprecedented success in terms of revenue generated by the participating films. With a total earning of Php 1.069 billion (as of January 7), this edition has already surpassed the box-office earnings of P500 million recorded in 2018, despite not having concluded yet.
Also read: MMFF 2023: 10 Exciting Films To Look Forward To
Due to popular demand, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led festival which was supposed to end on January 7 has been extended until January 14. Based on projections, the agency adds that the ongoing MMFF is expected to earn P1.2 billion by the end of its one-week extension–way more than its initial projection of P700 million.
“This is despite the fact that in 2018, almost 1,200 cinemas were open,” Artes emphasized. “This year, we only had 800 cinemas. Many are still closed.”
“Perhaps we can say that the success of the 2023 MMFF is due to the quality of the films we offered,” he also noted. “Even though there were 10 films, compared to the previous eight, the films were truly good, well-made.”
MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Pre-pandemic, the MMFF highest grossers are usually top billed by A-list stars doing projects that would appeal to the broadest audiences. Now, it is a bit more nuanced.”
“Content is of primary importance. Story is king. They drive the audience to the cinemas and back; not just the stars and popular celebrities.”
Also read: DongYan Restores Our Faith In Pinoy Love Teams In “Rewind” (2023) – Movie Review
Which MMFF 2023 film do you think topped box-office earnings? Tell us in the comments!
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