Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024
The Manila Film Festival 2024 is going big for its 50th anniversary, expanding to 10 films from the usual eight. Running from December 25 to January 7, this year’s fest is packed with A-list stars like Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, and Judy Ann Santos.
The selection process was super competitive, with 70 submissions fighting for spots! Industry veterans are sharing the spotlight with fresh faces, including Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino in “Hold Me Close.” From horror flicks to family comedies, there’s something for everyone.
The December 27 Awards Night promises to be extra special, with plenty of surprises that’ll have everyone talking well into 2025.
2024 Metro Manila Film Festival Key Details
Here’s an overview of the festival’s major events:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Parade of Stars | December 15, 2024 | TBA |
| Festival Run | December 25, 2024 – January 7, 2025 | Multiple Cinemas/Platforms |
| Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) | December 27, 2024 | Manila Metropolitan Theater |
| Student Short Film Competition Announcement | Early November 2024 | Online/Official Festival Channels |
| Submission Deadline for Entries | September 30, 2024 | Online/Official Submission Portal |
Highlights:
The festival begins with the much-anticipated Parade of Stars on December 15, allowing fans to see their favorite celebrities. The Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) follows on December 27 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, honoring Filipino cinema’s achievements. Nationwide screenings of Filipino films and the announcement of the Student Short Film Competition winners add to the excitement.
This year’s festival also reflects on its evolution from a Metro Manila-based event in 1975 to a countrywide celebration. However, some critics note the absence of IMAX and 4D screenings as a limitation amidst growing technological advances.
About the 50th MMFF
Marking 50 years of showcasing the best of Filipino cinema, MMFF 2024 is pulling out all the stops. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the festival has expanded its traditional lineup from eight to ten films, selected from a competitive pool of 70 submissions, comprising 39 scripts and 31 finished films.
In addition to the main entries, the festival will feature special screenings of 50 iconic MMFF films from past years, offering audiences a retrospective of the festival’s rich history. With ticket prices set at an accessible ₱50, these screenings aim to reach a wider audience and reignite interest in classic Filipino films.
Festival Films and Genre Mix
For its golden anniversary, MMFF 2024 presents an expansive lineup of ten diverse films, marking an increase from the traditional eight entries. This year’s genre exploration spans from heartwarming family comedies to spine-chilling horror flicks, with MMDA Chairman Romando S. Artes selecting from an impressive pool of 39 scripts and 31 finished films.
Star-Studded Cast Lineup
The MMFF 2024 boasts an impressive lineup of both seasoned actors and rising stars:
- Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach reunite in the much-anticipated drama Uninvited, alongside Nadine Lustre.
- Vice Ganda takes on a transformative role as a conflicted overseas Filipino worker in And the Breadwinner Is….
- Judy Ann Santos teams up with Lorna Tolentino in the horror film Espantaho, generating significant buzz.
- Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual share the screen in the action-comedy The Kingdom.
- Rising stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino explore romance in Hold Me Close.
From the musical reimagining of the classic Himala to the found-footage thrills of Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital, this year’s selection seems determined to push boundaries. The inclusion of both script-based selections and finished films has raised eyebrows but in a good way.
Veteran Actors Return Strong
Marking a significant return to the big screen, veteran Filipino actors dominate the Manila Film Festival 2024 lineup with powerhouse performances across multiple genres. The film industry buzz is particularly strong around Vilma Santos and Judy Ann Santos, who are headlining separate films that showcase their enduring star power.
Notable veteran actors are making waves with their compelling roles:
- Vilma Santos leads Uninvited alongside Aga Muhlach, proving she hasn’t lost her touch.
- Judy Ann Santos teams up with Lorna Tolentino in Espantaho, a horror film that’s got everyone talking.
- Vic Sotto shares the screen with Piolo Pascual in The Kingdom, showing he’s still action-ready.
- Tirso Cruz III joins the Uninvited ensemble, adding gravitas to the stellar cast.
These seasoned performers have created quite a stir among moviegoers by tackling diverse roles across different genres, from spine-tingling horror to action-packed drama. Their ability to adapt to modern storytelling while retaining the acting styles that made them household names continues to impress audiences.
New Generation Takes Stage
Rising stars and fresh faces dominate this year’s Manila Film Festival lineup, bringing youthful energy and fresh perspectives to a variety of genres. The emerging talent on display highlights the industry’s ongoing evolution through innovative storytelling and bold new pairings.
In the romance department, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin are generating buzz with My Future You, a time-travelling love story that modernizes the classic rom-com formula. Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino reunite in Hold Me Close, showcasing their chemistry in a romantic adventure set in Japan, a perfect holiday treat for audiences.
The innovation continues in the action-thriller genre with Topakk, where Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes deliver gritty performances that have already caught the attention of international film festivals.
In horror, the next generation leaves its mark with Espantaho, which teams up seasoned actresses Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino in a spine-chilling tale that has everyone talking.
These fresh talents and exciting collaborations bring a dynamic energy to MMFF 2024, shaking up the festival in a way that audiences have been eagerly waiting for.
Behind the Camera Talents
The Manila Film Festival 2024‘s behind-the-scenes talent reads like a who’s who of Philippine cinema’s finest, with award-winning cinematographer Neil Daza and former LPS president Mackie Galvez leading the technical dream team. Festival director Ed Cabagnot has pulled together an impressive mix of veterans and fresh faces, including rising directors Dan Villegas and Cristiano Aquino, who are already generating buzz with their upcoming films.
The screening committee, featuring industry powerhouses like Bianca Balbuena and Park Sungho, promises to bring an international perspective to this year’s selection process, though some are wondering if their choices might ruffle a few traditional feathers.
Directors’ Creative Visions
Visionary filmmakers take centre stage at the Manila Film Festival 2024, with acclaimed directors Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno, JP Habac, Dwein Baltazar, and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo presenting their unique short films.
Their director influences shine through in this year’s lineup, with each bringing their signature creative storytelling style to celebrate Manila’s vibrant culture.
The festival’s “Manila in Me” theme has inspired these talented directors to capture the city’s essence in fascinating ways:
- Diokno, fresh from his MMFF success with GomBurZa, explores musical heritage in “Lumang Tugtugin”
- Habac, known for rom-com hits, investigates temporal storytelling with “Shortest Day, Longest Night”
- Baltazar brings her distinctive aesthetic to “Nananahan,” following her “Third World Romance” acclaim
- Bernardo, who gave us the beloved “Kita Kita,” crafts an intimate narrative in “May at Niia”
These established directors share the spotlight with eight promising student filmmakers, each granted P150,000 to bring their visions to life. The Metropolitan Theater premiere showcases this fascinating mix of seasoned and emerging talent, proving that Manila’s creative well runs deep.
Writing Team Spotlight
Powering this year’s Manila Film Festival lineup, accomplished screenwriters and writing teams have crafted compelling narratives that showcase Filipino storytelling at its finest. Crisanto B. Aquino, who’s been turning heads with his screenwriting techniques in “My Future You,” pulls double duty as both writer and director – talk about wearing multiple hats!
The buzz around Dodo Dayao’s “Uninvited” has industry insiders whispering about its unique character development, while the powerhouse trio of Richard Somes, Will Fredo, and Jimmy Flores brought their collective talents to “Topakk.” Not to be outdone, Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Hold Me Close” and Chris Martinez’s “Espantaho” round out this year’s impressive writing roster.
Some say the selection process raised eyebrows, but you can’t argue with the results the chosen scripts earned their spots through quality storytelling and creative merit. Word has it that MMDA is even considering a summer edition next year. Well, with talent like this, who can blame them for wanting more?
Technical Production Leaders
Behind this year’s Manila Film Festival stands a formidable team of technical production leaders who bring decades of combined expertise to the golden anniversary celebration. While the festival has been surprisingly tight-lipped about specific technical roles, insiders tell us that production management has been meticulously coordinated between several key organizations.
The technical production structure includes:
- City of Dreams Manila’s event production team handling the glitzy Golden Gala setup
- ANIMA Studios PH’s technical crew, led by powerhouse producer Bianca Balbuena
- FDCP’s production management team overseeing the Student Short Film Competition
- MOWELFUND’s technical support staff coordinating industry workshops
Word around the festival circuit is that Atty. Rochelle Macapili-Ona has been pulling strings behind the scenes to guarantee everything runs smoothly. The Festival Director Ed Cabagnot and Vice Chair Yul Servo have apparently been hands-on with technical oversight – a rejuvenating change from previous years!
Even South Korean producer Park Sungho has been spotted offering input on production values, bringing that signature K-drama polish to our local festival scene.
Production Companies and Partnerships
Major production companies have forged strategic partnerships for the 2024 Manila Film Festival, with industry leaders like Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, and Reality MM Studios bringing diverse cinematic offerings to the showcase. The current production trends show an exciting mix of genres, from horror to drama, reflecting the industry’s growing versatility.
Notable industry collaborations include the partnership between Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company for “And the Breadwinner Is…” while APT Entertainment teams up with Mzet Productions for “The Kingdom.” These powerhouse combinations are turning heads!
Some of the most buzzed-about productions include:
- Reality MM Studios’ spine-tingling “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital”
- Mentorque Productions and Project 8’s intriguing “Uninvited”
- A mysterious horror film from the triple threat of Quantum Films, Cineko, and Purple Bunny
- Jun Lana’s latest directorial venture with Star Cinema
The festival’s lineup also features impressive international connections, with professionals like Bianca Balbuena bringing her expertise from global collaborations. Word on the street is that these partnerships might just set new box office records though we’ll have to wait and see if they live up to the hype!
Selection Process and Numbers
Moving from the production partnerships to the festival’s rigorous selection framework, an extensive evaluation system guided the choice of films for the 2024 Manila Film Festival. Under the watchful eye of producer Jessie Ejercito’s selection committee, a whopping 70 submissions were carefully screened against strict submission criteria, with artistic excellence and commercial appeal each weighing a hefty 40% of the evaluation.
The selection process rolled out in two exciting waves the first five lucky films were revealed on July 16, while the remaining five had to wait until October 22 for their moment in the spotlight. Word has it that some big industry names were sweating it out as they rushed to meet the September 30 deadline for finished films!
Awards Night Details
Set against the backdrop of the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater, the 2024 Manila Film Festival’s awards night promises to be a landmark celebration of Philippine cinema’s finest achievements. The venue choice carries special awards significance, as it hosted the very first MMFF ceremony back in 1975. Now, with its restored grandeur, it’s ready to welcome today’s brightest stars.
The awards criteria will determine winners across multiple categories, with industry insiders buzzing about who’ll take home the coveted Best Picture trophy. Word is, the jury’s having quite a time evaluating this year’s impressive lineup of 10 films! Here’s what attendees can expect at the glamorous event:
- A star-studded red carpet arrival featuring the biggest names in Philippine cinema
- Live musical performances between award presentations
- Special tribute segments honouring the festival’s 50-year legacy
- Surprise appearances by past MMFF legends
Under the theme “Sinesigla sa Singkwenta,” the ceremony will also shine a spotlight on emerging talents through the student short film category. Don Artes, MMDA Chairman, hints this golden anniversary celebration will be one for the books though they’re still keeping the exact December date under wraps!
Interesting and Surprising Facts About Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)
- 🎥 No Foreign Films During the Festival
During MMFF, foreign films are not shown in major cinemas to give Filipino movies the spotlight. - 🏆 Awards Night Used to Be on Christmas Day
Initially, the MMFF Awards Night was held on December 25, the same day the festival opened. - 🎭 Started as a Summer Event
The festival began in 1975 as the “Metro Manila Film Festival” but was held during summer before shifting to the Christmas season. - 🌟 First MMFF Best Picture Was a Comedy
The first Best Picture winner in 1975 was “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” a surprising choice as most expect dramas to dominate. - 💰 Highest-Grossing Film Records Keep Changing Rapidly
Every few years, MMFF films break their records for the highest earnings, showcasing its growing popularity. - 🛠️ Some Films Are Rushed but Still Win
Despite production rushes, some entries, such as “Ang Panday,” have won awards and become box-office hits. - 🎟️ Festival Focus Shifted Over Time
While MMFF initially aimed to celebrate art, it later shifted focus to more commercial films to attract wider audiences. - 🎶 The Parade Used to Feature Live Performances
Early MMFF parades included live singing and dance numbers from the stars, unlike today’s more float-centric spectacle. - 🐕 Animals as Stars
Several MMFF entries, like “Ang TV Movie: The Adarna Adventure,” have featured animals playing significant roles. - 🌏 Regional Films Gaining Spotlight
Recent years have seen a growing number of regional films and languages included, breaking Metro Manila’s dominance.
Best Places To Stay In Manila During MMFF
- Admiral Hotel Manila: Offers bay views, modern amenities, and proximity to cultural landmarks. Highly rated for its service and location during events like MMFF. ➊
- I’M Hotel in Makati: Features a central location with easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and MMFF screenings in cinemas around Makati. Well-regarded for its spa and upscale facilities. ➊
- Dusit Thani Manila: Located near shopping hubs like SM Makati and Greenbelt, making it ideal for combining MMFF events with dining and leisure activities. ➋
- Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila: Situated in the Manila Bay area, it offers convenience for attendees visiting MMFF screenings and nearby attractions. Known for excellent service. ➍
- The Bayleaf Intramuros: Perfect for those seeking historical charm alongside event access. Located within the gated Intramuros district, offering a unique experience. ➎
- Shangri-La at the Fort: Located in Bonifacio Global City, providing a luxury stay close to major MMFF cinemas and upscale dining options. ➑
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are the ticket prices for MMFF 2024 screenings?
Ticket prices for the MMFF 2024 screenings will be announced closer to the festival dates. Special screenings of iconic MMFF films are priced at ₱50 to encourage wider audience participation.
Are MMFF films available for streaming during the festival period?
No, MMFF films are exclusively shown in theaters during the festival period. Streaming options may become available after the festival concludes.
Where can viewers purchase advance tickets for MMFF movies?
Advance tickets will be available through official cinema partners and authorized ticket outlets. Details will be released closer to the screening dates.
Which theaters outside Metro Manila will show MMFF entries?
MMFF entries will be screened nationwide through partnerships with major cinema chains, including SM, Robinsons, Ayala, and Gaisano cinemas in key cities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Do MMFF films offer special screenings for persons with disabilities?
Information on accessibility features and special screenings for persons with disabilities will be provided by individual cinemas. Viewers are advised to check with local theaters for available accommodations.amming.
