The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) expanded its usual eight-film lineup to 10 this year, as it revealed six more films in addition to the four entries announced in July.
As per Jesse Ejercito, MMFF chairman of the selection committee, films number four, five, and six got the same rating upon reviewing the 30 submitted films, which urged the committee to bring the list to 10.
The 2023 MMFF seems to be more exciting, with more films to look forward to! So, here are the 10 official entries at the MMFF.
A Family Of 2 (A Mother And Son Story)
Kapuso actor Alden Richards and Megastar Sharon Cuneta are teaming up for the first time in this film. Directed by Nuel Naval, A Family Of 2 (A Mother And Son Story) is a drama under Cineko Productions Incorporated that follows the heartwarming story of a mother and son—a good choice if you like tearjerker films. Tonton Gutierrez, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Miles Ocampo were also among the cast.
K(A)mpon
Are you a fan of horror films? K(A)mpon is a horror-thriller starring Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ramsay. It is directed by King Palisoc and produced by Quantum Films. The film has an intriguing plot as it centers on a mysterious child who brought strange occurrences to the married couple Clark (Ramsay) and Eileen (Gonzales).
Penduko
This fantasy action film serves as the new film version of the popular comic book character Pedro Penduko, making it perfect for kids! Mateo Guidicelli will take on the role of Pedro Penduko, with Jason Paul Laxamana as the director and scriptwriter.
Rewind
Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are set to reunite on the big screen after over 10 years! This DongYan’s reunion film is under Star Cinema in collaboration with APT Entertainment and Agosto Dos Media. Helmed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, Rewind is described as a family drama with “a touch of magic realism.”
Firefly
Here’s another kid-friendly film! Firefly is GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ flagship movie directed by Zig Dulay. According to GMA, it is a fantasy road trip film about a young boy who searches for the mythical island described in his mother’s bedtime stories. It stars Alessandra de Rossi, child actor Euwenn Mikaell, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Ysabel Ortega, Max Collins, and Epi Quizon, with special participation of Dingdong Dantes.
GomBurZa
Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, and Dante Rivero will portray the role of the titular martyr priests executed by garrote in 1872 in GomBurza. The stellar cast includes Piolo Pascual, Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, and Elijah Canlas. This historical film is directed by Pepe Diokno and produced by Jesuit Communications. Looks promising!
When I Met You In Tokyo
Veteran stars Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon are returning as well to the big screen after seven years! Filmed in Japan, When I Met You In Tokyo is a heartwarming romantic drama about two elderly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who became friends and eventually fell in love. It is directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penza, with de Leon as associate director.
Becky and Badette
This film will surely bring laughter to the viewers with the team up of comediennes Eugene Domingo and Pokwang! Becky and Badette is directed by Jun Robles Lana. The IdeaFirst Company described the comedy film as “Para sa beshies na mataas ang pangarap at mas mataas ang heels!”
Mallari
Mallari is about the Philippines’ first-ever documented serial killer, in which Piolo Pascual plays the role of a priest, Father Mallari, who killed 57 people. This marks his first venture into the horror genre. The cast members comprise JC Santos, Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson, Gloria Diaz, and Mylene Dizon. It is directed by Derick Cabrido. A great film if you want something bloody and shocking!
Broken Hearts Trip
Lemuel Lorca’s Broken Hearts Trip is an LGBT-themed comedy film starring Christian Bables alongside Jaclyn Jose, Teejay Marquez, Andoy Ranay, and Iyah Mina. It is dubbed as the “Philippine’s first love game show in a movie.”
The 49th MMFF will run from December 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024, while the awards night Gabi Ng Parangal is slated on December 27.
Which film/s are you planning to watch? Share with us in the comments!
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