‘Over the years, the festival has become a tradition for many Filipinos who eagerly anticipate the screening of new and exciting films during the holiday season’
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was created by virtue of Presidential Proclamation Nos. 1459, 1485, 1533, 1533-A, 1647 and MMC Executive Order No. 85-04 and 86-09 which declares an annual festival for the exclusive showing of Filipino films in movie theaters nationwide, free from foreign competition, from December 25 up to January 4 of the following year, being extended until January 7.
Over the years, the festival has become a tradition for many Filipinos, who eagerly anticipate the screening of new and exciting films during the holiday season without competition from foreign titles.
The MMFF is not an all-art film festival. Through the years, it went through several versions – until it maintained its unique selling proposition – which is being carried out by the present EXECOM – it being a film festival that caters to all the members of the Filipino Family during the Christmas Season.
The Selection Committee makes sure that we have a good mix of entries every year to feature films of different genres evaluated on a standard that balances film excellence and commercial viability.
So true to our objectives- the MMFF is here 1) to help in the promotion and development of the local film industry and 2) to raise revenues for its designated beneficiaries from the local movie industry.
The MMFF is managed by an Executive Committee with the MMDA Chairman as the Overall Chairman (ably carried out by Atty Romando “Don” Artes and Executive Director Atty Rochelle Ona) and assisted by different sub-committees in the implementation of the various programs and activities of the MMFF.
In the 50 years of the MMFF, it has initiated efforts like the New Wave Cinema section, the Student Short Film Caravan, Film Master Classes, the Covid Vaccination and Pandemic Support Program, the Subsidy for International Film Festivals for the Best Picture winners, and most recently, the Multi-Agency Serbisyo Fair for all the members of the entertainment industry.
This year is very special because we have leveled up in so many ways:
1. The announcement of the first 5 official entries at the Manila City Hall was unprecedented.
2. The reveal of the complete 10 entries and the unveiling of the special 50th edition trophy by renowned artist Jeffre was well talked about.
3. The celebrity golf tournament as as a fund raiser for the MMFF beneficiary MOWELFUND was very successful.
4. The grand media con at the Gateway Complex was full of goodwill.
5. The 50th MMFF Parade of Star starting at the Kartilya Ng Katipunan to the streets of Manila and the culmination at the Manila Post Office was truly spectacular!
Like the metaphor that the Central Post Office has become, let the Philippine flm industry rise from the ashes with the Metro Manila Film Festival leading the way.
See you at the movies starting tomorrow and the Gabi Ng Parangal this weekend.
Maligayang Pasko at mabuhay ang pelikulang Filipino!
