MANILA, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has announced the eight films included as official entries of the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015. The festival starts today with the “Parade of Stars” along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has advised motorists to expect heavy traffic in the vicinity of Roxas Blvd. that will be partly closed for the parade of floats.
The MMFF is the annual film festival in Metro Manila that is organized by the MMDA.
During the film festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine cinemas in order to showcase locally produced films.
The showing of the festival entries starts on Christmas Day and ends on Jan. 7, 2016.
MTRCB chairman Eugenio Villareal said during the recent Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum that the official film entries include: “Walang Forever” of Quantum Fims, a romantic comedy directed by Dan Villegas and starring Jericho Rosales, Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay.
”Nilalang (The Entity)” of Haunted Tower Pictures Inc., an action suspense movie directed by Pedring Lopez and starring Cesar Montano, Yam Concepcion, Cholo Barretto, Dido de la Paz, Kiko Matos, Richard Manabet and Art Acuna.
“All You Need is Pagibig” of ABS CBN Films, a comedy directed by Antoninette Jadaone and starring Kris Aquino, Jodi Santa Maria, Kim Chiu, Ian Veneracion, Xian Lim and Derek Ramsay.
“Haunted Mansion” of Regal Entertainment Inc., a horror film directed by Jana Luna and starring Mario Mortel, Jerome Ponce and Janella Salvador.
“My Bebe Love“ of Octo Films, Mzet, Apt Ent. Inc., a romantic comedy directed by Jose Javier Reyes and starring Vic Sotto, Ai Ai delas Alas, Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards.
“Honor Thy Father” of Reality Entertainment Inc., a drama thriller directed by Erik Martin and starring John Lloyd Cruz and Meryll Soriano.
“Beauty and the Bestie” of ABS CBN and Viva Communications, an action comedy directed by Wenn Deramas and starring Vice Ganda and Coco Martin.
”Buy Now Die Later” of Quantum Films, a horror comedy directed by Randolph Lonjas and starring Rayver Cruz, Jayson Gainza, John Lapus, Ian Veneracion, Janine Gutierrez and Lot lot de Leon.
The MMFF also approved the five finalists for the festival’s new wave full feature films.
The new wave or indie films category includes “Mandirigma” directed by Arlyn dela Cruz; “Toto” directed by John Paul So, “Ari: My Life with a King” directed by Carlo Enciso Catu, “Turo Turo” and “Tandem” directed by Zig Marasigan.
The MTRCB also released the five finalists for the MMFF new wave animation category: “The Seed” directed by Joven Maniaol and Larreina Branca Libuton; “Alamat ng Giraffe,” directed by Alyssandra Kyle Mallari; “Geo” directed by John Aurthur Mercader; “Light Lights” directed by Marie Rivelle Mallari and “Buttons” directed by Marvel Obemo and Jared Garcia.
The MMFF new wave short film category finalists include “Ding Mangasyas (Tough Guys)” directed by Justen; “Lapis” directed by Maricel Cariaga; “Mumu” directed by Jean Cheryle Dizon Tagyaon, “Momento” directed by Jan Kyle Nieva and “Daisy” directed by Brian Reyes. – With Mike Frialde, Rey Galupo