MMFF 2023 extends run, gross receipts breach ₱1B

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) — Organizers of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) said that due to public clamor, the exhibition of the 10 films in the festival is extended for a week, adding that the combined gross receipts of the participating movies had exceeded ₱1 billion.

"Isang bilyong pasasalamat. We have reached the ₱1 billion mark sa box office gross ng 49th Metro Manila Film Festival -- at ayon sa reports, parang Pasko sa mga sinehan ngayon sa dami ng mga taong naghahabol na panoorin ang kanilang paboritong pelikulang Filipino," film producer and MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer said in a social media post on Sunday.

[Translation: One billion thanks to everyone. We have reached the ₱1 billion mark in the box office gross of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival -- and based on our reports, it's like Christmas in cinemas right now because many Filipinos are still flocking to the cinemas to watch the MMFF movies.]

The MMFF, which started on Dec. 25, was supposed to end on Sunday.

However, the increasing number of moviegoers demanding an extension of the festival pushed the organizers to retain the movies in cinemas for another week.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said MMFF complimentary passes will be honored until Jan. 14.

READ: What to watch at MMFF 2023

The MMFF's record box office gross is ₱1.061 billion, which was earned during the 2018 festival.

MMDA Acting Chairman and MMFF Overall Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes thanked the public for their support.

"Truly, this year's MMFF is a certified box office hit. This is a good sign as we gear up for the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF)," said Artes.

The 10 official entries are set to be screened at the inaugural MIFF on Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.