Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 17) — The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has announced that six more films will be officially part of its 2023 edition to complete its expanded 10-entry lineup.
The MMFF, which annually showcases eight film entries, decided to unveil six official entries for the second set after films that ranked 4, 5, and 6 came into a three-way-tie.
It said the selection committee screened a record high of 30 finished film submissions.
In July, four entries made the initial cut out of 26 script submissions. They are “Family of Two (A Mother and Son’s Story)” by Cineko Productions, Inc., “K(Ampon)” by Quantum Films, “Penduko” by Sari Sari Network, and “Rewind” by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, Inc., and Agostodos Pictures.
Here’s the second list of films for the 49th MMFF in no particular order:
1. “Becky and Badette” by The Ideafirst Company
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Lead Stars: Eugene Domingo and Pokwang
2. “Broken Hearts Trip” by Smart Films Productions, OPC in cooperation with BMC Films
Director: Emuel Lorca
Lead Stars: Christian Bables, Andoy Ranay, Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Iyah Mina, and Petite
3. “Firefly” by GMA Pictures
Director: Zig Madamba Dulay
Lead Stars: Alessandra De Rossi, Cherry Pie Pichache, Yayo Aguila, Ysabel Ortega, Max Collins, Euwenn Mikaell, Epi Quizon, Miguel Tanfelix, and with the special participation of Dingdong Dantes
4. “Gomburza” by Jesuit Communications Foundation Inc.
Director: Pepe Diokno
Lead Stars: Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, and Dante Rivero
5. “Mallari” by Mentorque Productions
Director: Derick Cabrido
Lead Star: Piolo Pascual
6. “When I Met You In Tokyo” by JG Productions
Director: Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa, and Christopher de Leon
Lead Stars: Christopher de Leon and Vilma Santos
The 49th MMFF will run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7.
The Parade of Stars will kick off in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela on Dec. 16 or 17, while the Gabi ng Parangal (awards night) will happen on Dec. 27.
