When In Manila, Christmas season also means MMFF season. The Metro Manila Film Festival is an annual event showcasing Filipino films, and it runs from December 25 to the first week of January the next year.
These are the eight official entries for the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival.
8. SAVING SALLY
Directed by Alvid Liongoren
Genre: Indie, rom-com, sci-fi
A familiar coming-of-age story told with super-stylized visuals. The project blends live action, 2d animation and an abundance of warm, fuzzy feelings to create a totally unique and loveable little film.
7. DIE BEAUTIFUL
Directed by Jun Robles Lana
Genre: Comedy drama
Die Beautiful is a story of Trisha, a transgender woman who competes in beauty contests. As part of her request before her death, her wish was to remain beautiful.
6. KABISERA
Directed by Arturo San Agustin & Real Florido
Genre: Family drama
A Filpino family deals with hooded people who are involved in extra-judicial killings and other abuses in Philippine society.
5. VINCE AND KATH AND JAMES
Directed by Theodore Boborol
Genre: Romance
The film is based on Vince and Kath, an online series written by Jenny Ruth Almocera. It is about the story of two lovestruck teenagers, Vince and Kath, that is told through text messages.
4 ORO
Directed by Alvin Yapan
Genre: Drama, crime thriller, narrative
When nature becomes an excuse for violence, everything
3. SEKLUSYON
Directed by Erik Matti
Genre: Horror
Set in 1947, the story revolves around the old ritual done by the church where deacons or aspiring priests are sent in a secluded area on the last seven days of their training. The purpose of this seclusion is to shield them from evil.
2. SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN
Directed by Babyruth Villarama Gutirerrez
Genre: documentary
A Filipina maid dreams to become Hong Kong’s most beautiful queen—not for self-worth, but to save lives, to change the abusive system, and to be happy inside.
1. ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK PART 2
Directed by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez
Genre: Comedy, drama
Eugene prepares for her comeback vehicle after a long sabbatical
We’ve made a compilation of the entries’ official movie trailers, too. Check it out HERE.
Which films will you be watching this MMFF season? Share your thoughts with us!