Metro Manila Film Festival unveils a riveting lineup of films in its initial selection, highlighting the local talent and promising a cinematic treat to all movie-goers.
MANILA, July 12, 2023 – The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), known for fostering homegrown talent and showcasing the best of Filipino cinema, has announced its first batch of official entries for this year’s edition.
The lineup, unveiled yesterday in a press conference, presents a diverse range of films from veteran directors and promising newcomers, underlining the festival’s commitment to represent the vibrant panorama of the Philippine film industry.
The first set of entries includes titles like “Agimat ng Lahing Kayumanggi,” an epic historical drama directed by Jerrold Tarog; “Salamin ng Pag-ibig,” a romantic comedy by Antoinette Jadaone; and “Anak ng Lupa,” an environmental thriller helmed by Brillante Mendoza.
“The entries in this year’s festival clearly reflect the dynamism of our local film scene,” said MMFF spokesperson Chito Rono. “From historical epics to romantic comedies, our talented filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and tap into a myriad of genres and themes that resonate with our audiences.”
Additionally, the MMFF panel has chosen a selection of short films from upcoming filmmakers, solidifying its commitment to nurturing the next generation of film industry talent.
The annual film festival, a long-standing tradition since 1975, continues to draw massive audiences nationwide. It has evolved to become not only a holiday staple but also a platform for local filmmakers and actors to showcase their talent to a broader audience, both nationally and internationally.
Rono further stated that the final list of entries would be announced in the coming weeks, hinting that audiences could expect an even more diverse array of films.
The festival is scheduled to run from December 25 to January 7, a period wherein foreign films are not shown in any Philippine theaters to give way to the MMFF entries.
As the anticipation for the remaining entries continues to build, the MMFF remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Philippine film industry.