The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the first five movie entries for this year’s 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The first five official entries are: “And The Winner Is” produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions. Starring Vice Ganda and directed by Jun Robles Lana; “Green Bones” starring Dennis Trillo and Sofia Pablo. The film is produced by GMA Pictures and directed by Zig Dulay; “Himala, Isang Musikal” produced by Kapitol Films and Uxs, Inc. and directed by Ricky Lee and Jose Lorenzo Diokno. The film starred David Ezra, Bituin Escalante, Victor Robinson, and Aicelle Santos; “Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital” starring Enrique Gil and Jane de Leon. Produced by Reality MM Studios, Inc. and directed by Kerwin Go; and “Kingdom” produced by Mzet TV Production, Inc., APT Entertainment, Inc., and MQuest Ventures, Inc. The film starred Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual, and directed by Michael Tuviera.
The MMDA made the announcement during the MMFF’s 50th celebration, highlighting its significant contributions to the local film and entertainment industry, and its role in boosting the country’s creative economy by creating jobs for Filipinos.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, a staunch supporter of Philippine arts and culture, attended the event and praised the MMFF as a beacon of Filipino creativity and talent for five decades.
MMDA chief and concurrent MMFF chairman Don Artes highlighted the festival’s significant support for the industry, stating that the amusement taxes levied by local government units for MMFF will be 100 percent of the amount received from their beneficiaries, such as the Movie Workers Welfare Fund, Film Academy of the Philippines, Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Optical Media Board, and Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna expressed her support for the MMFF, highlighting its role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape. She noted that the MMFF has been a vital part of Manila’s cultural and economic scene, fostering artistic talent and community spirit.
Last year, the MMFF made a record-breaking gross receipt of P1.069 billion for its 10 film entries, breaking the previous record set by the festival in 2018.
