The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has long been a huge part of Filipino family Christmas tradition, and after 50 years, it just gets better and better.
Organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the 2024 MMFF is expected to be the catalyst to continuously attract local support for Philippine cinema. With 10 deliberately chosen films on the line up, here’s High Five reasons you should not miss out on this year’s MMFF screening.
Timeless Comedians in Dramatic Roles
Those who grew up anticipating the festival would surely remember the friendly competition between Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda’s comedy films every year. This year, both actors are back with a surprising twist: both are starring in a drama.
Known for his series of Enteng Kabisote films, Vic Sotto comes back to the big screen with a drama-action feature alongside Piolo Pascual entitled The Kingdom; while Vice Ganda on the other hand is starring in the drama-comedy And the Breadwinner Is together with fellow comedienne, Eugene Domingo.
As they break tradition and present a different side of their acting prowess, the two are surely bringing up the level of anticipation for young and old viewers alike.
Star-Studded Lineups
When we say star-studded lineups, we truly mean rosters stacked with some of the most beloved stars of Philippine cinema. One of the entries, Uninvited, features the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos-Recto, alongside Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre in a psychological thriller that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats with a big juicy family drama, bringing out an air of chilling mystery right before everyone’s eyes.
Another entry with high profile leads is Espantaho, featuring the return of Judy Ann Santos, starring alongside Lorna Tolentino. These two veteran actresses are set to blow minds away with this supernatural horror which explores the story of a woman who dares to uncover the darkest secrets of her family.
Classic Turned Musical
The critically acclaimed 1982 film, Himala, is set for a remake as its adapted theater play now has its own film starring Aicelle Santos as Elsa. Entitled Isang Himala: Isang Musikal, this distinct approach is expected to transport viewers right back in the turmoil experienced at Baryo Cupang, where Elsa’s miraculous deeds spark intense religious and social conflict.
This reimagining depicts the film in a more modern light, aiming to resonate with newer audiences and even those who have been longtime fans of the classic.
A Ricky Lee Film
Need we say more? Part of this year’s MMFF is a film written by none other than National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee. Starring Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, Green Bones tackles themes of justice as it revolves around an inmate who awaits his release, and a prison guard who gets in the way of his freedom.
Knowing the transcendence of Ricky Lee’s work over the decades, this story certainly sparks an intrigue among film buffs and casual fans. Will this be the birth of another iconic film in Philippine cinema?
Fourth-wall Breaking Horror
To all horror fans out there, you’re in for a different ride as this year’s MMFF lineup also includes the Philippines’ first ever meta found footage horror film, Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital. Witness Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon, along with other celebrities as they star as themselves in this chilling film shot in the most haunted place in Taiwan, the Xinglin Hospital. Will they survive the oddities happening during their ghost hunting project?
With this much in store for this year’s MMFF, we’ve got another reason to get pumped for Christmas. What other MMFF 2024 films are you excited to watch? Share with us in the comments below!