Which films deserve a spot in MMFF 2023’s final four?
Thirty entries are battling for the coveted final four slots in the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December.
Given the volume of the submissions, there are hopes for an increase in the official film line-up. Announced in July, the first four entries are A Mother and Son’s Story (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards), (K)AMPON (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay), Penduko (Cristine Reyes and Matteo Guidicelli) and Rewind (Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera). The remaining four titles will be bared on Oct. 17.
MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer shed light on the selection process: “As far as I know, 30 finished film submissions met the Sept. 29 deadline. Four films will be announced. We await the recommendation of the selection committee, and the EXECOM must approve their choices before any official announcement.” The selection committee, he added, would take into account a variety of genres to cater to a broad audience of moviegoers.
Meanwhile, the waiting period has turned into a buzz-building event, as producers and stars made concerted efforts to draw attention to their films. Here’s what we know so far about the submitted entries, based on producers’ confirmation and interviews with The STAR.
Regal Entertainment hopes to continue its MMFF tradition by submitting Shake, Rattle & Roll (SRR) Extreme (stylized as XTREME), the latest installment of its enduring horror franchise.
Roselle Monteverde, the film studio’s VP and COO, said that the new SRR was designed as a big-screen experience with its three mini-episodes directed by Jerrold Tarog, Richard Somes, and Joey de Guzman. Notably, the cast features fresh faces, including influencers making their mainstream acting debut.
“Most of the movies that we filmed during the pandemic and pre-pandemic na ‘di na palabas went straight to streaming. So, this is our first cinema release after the pandemic,” Roselle told The STAR.
“Even when I asked the directors, lahat ng trabaho nila, including the music, the editing, it’s better to watch it in the cinemas for them, not on a small screen, not even on TV.”
In SRR Extreme, Iza Calzado returns to the screen after giving birth. “I relish promoting the film,” Iza expressed. “My prayer, my wish, is that many people watch the movie. I hope our fellow Filipinos will rekindle their love for watching films in theaters. The success of a film will signify the coming back to life of Philippine cinema.”
The STAR learned that another horror submission is Nokturno, director Mikhail Red’s upcoming film with Nadine Lustre, also his lead star in the 2022 MMFF Best Film winner and top-grosser Deleter. This time, his film under Evolve Studios and Viva Films explores folklore and rural elemental creatures.
“Hopefully, Nokturno will make it to this year’s film fest,” direk Mikhail earlier told the press.
“We don’t want to stick to a certain genre. But we were very happy with the success of Deleter… We just want to make projects that excite us and challenge us, as well as the cast. We don’t want to be very escapist. We always want to expand our craft as filmmakers.”
Should their film make it, Nadine could potentially face a formidable array of veteran stars for the awards. She, however, expressed appreciation for the MMFF, underscoring that she doesn’t view it as a competition but, rather, as an endeavor where Filipino filmmakers unite to present their films for everyone to watch.
Comebacks appear to be a recurring theme among the “declared” MMFF submissions.
Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon are bringing back their legendary onscreen pairing in When I Met You in Tokyo, produced by JG Productions, written by Suzette Doctolero, and directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penza with Christopher as associate director. They first collaborated in 1975 in the blockbuster film Tag-ulan Sa Tag-araw. This time, they promise a heartwarming Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) love story that shows love has no age limit.
The industry’s “Star for All Seasons” is hoping that the film will secure a spot in the MMFF, which for her is a time when people are willing to spend and there’s a surge in moviegoers who crave entertainment.
“Maybe, when we make it to the MMFF, it’s meant to be; perhaps it’s the perfect opportunity for them to enjoy the movie. We’ve included Christmas scenes, which will add to the festive atmosphere,” said Vilma in a press statement.
“We believe that our film offers something unique, something different from what me and Yetbo (Christopher) have done before. It’s a simple yet beautiful love story.”
Former congressman Alfred Vargas makes his movie comeback alongside National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor, in Adolf Alix Jr.’s mother-and-son narrative, Pieta. He takes on the role of a son who, after years of imprisonment, embarks on a quest for justice while reuniting with his blind mother, who is gradually succumbing to Alzheimer’s.
“Hopefully, we’ll secure a spot,” Alfred previously told the press. “I believe this would be a significant addition to Philippine cinema. I hope that this year’s film festival will feature Nora, Vilma and Sharon. However, it’s not our decision, but we remain hopeful.”
Firefly is another mother-and-son tale that blends magic realism and road movie elements. It promises to be a visually captivating experience, showcasing the majestic Mt. Mayon Volcano, among others. It’s directed by Zig Dulay (fresh from the success of GMA series Maria Clara at Ibarra), written by Angeli Atienza, and produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs under Nessa Valdellon (also a co-producer of the country’s official Oscar submission The Missing.)
“We’ve been waiting to bring this out to a bigger audience because it’s a big film. It’s meant to be seen on the big screen. We wanted to wait for a possible festival so we’ll see,” said Nessa.
Firefly stars Alessandra de Rossi as the spunky mom of a 10-year-old boy (played by Euwenn Mikaell), who searches for the mythical island described in his mother’s bedtime stories, where one can make a wish upon seeing the light of a thousand fireflies.
“Sana makapasok kami (for the MMFF). May petition ba diyan? Pwede po ba kami pumirma?” quipped Alessandra, who’s no stranger to MMFF entries and acting awards via past movies Munting Tinig and Homecoming. “So, hopefully. It’s been a while. Sakay tayo sa float!”
Meanwhile, GomBurZa, directed by Pepe Diokno from the screenplay of Rody Vera, stands out with its historical genre.
The director emphasizes the film’s significance in highlighting our nation’s history. It tells the story of the three Filipino priests — Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan) and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee) — who were executed by Spain in 1872, a pivotal event before the revolution. The cast also includes Piolo Pascual, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Jaime Fabregas, and others.
Direk Pepe stressed the challenges of producing a historical film, with the meticulous attention to every detail, from sets to props, and extensive research, making it a daunting undertaking. He is “grateful and honored” that they were able to bring this film to life since it involved a level of risk few would embrace.
The film marks the inaugural collaboration between JESCOM Films and MQuest Ventures. He said all joined forces to create a film that is important and surprisingly entertaining.
“What (the producers) really wanted to do was to make a film that inspires especially today’s viewers,” he said.
Two films by Joel Lamangan, a multiple-time winner at the MMFF, were also submitted for consideration — the dramedy Lola Magdalena and the family drama Ang Ina Mo, written by Dennis Evangelista and Eric Ramos, respectively.
In 2004, direk Joel achieved the rare feat of having three of his films simultaneously compete in the MMFF, including Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, Mano Po III: My Love, and So... Happy Together. However, times have changed, and now only one entry per director will be chosen, he said.
While there are calls for increasing the total number of official entries to 10, Joel pointed out the challenges related to profitability and audience engagement. He noted that many aspire to participate because December “seems to be the only time when there’s a substantial moviegoing audience.” However, among the eight selected, only two or three will likely see a “return of investment,” he said.
Based on his 30-plus years of experience in the industry, he explained that if the MMFF accommodates more titles, it doesn’t guarantee that participants will recoup their investments.
“I have been a constant participant as far as the MMFF is concerned. That’s why I know dalawa o tatlo lamang ang kumikita talaga sa MMFF,” the veteran filmmaker said.
“Now, kung dadamihan pa nila, magiging 10… Dadami ang maghahati-hati at hindi maibabalik ang kanilang capital.”
Despite the challenges, he hopes for a robust turnout of viewers at the MMFF, which traditionally opens on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. “I hope that many, many people will come to watch.”
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