The golden edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and brightest yet, featuring industry stalwarts in the last five films selected for the country’s most celebrated showcase of local cinema.
From a pool of 31 completed films, the MMFF 2024 executive committee unveiled the final entries yesterday at Podium. They are:
“Uninvited,” starring acting powerhouses Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach, alongside Nadine Lustre. Produced by Bryan Dy’s Mentorque Productions and Project 8 Projects, this suspenseful film takes place in an opulent mansion, where a billionaire’s extravagant birthday celebration unravels into a night of socialite intrigues, long-buried secrets, and shocking revelations. Written by Dodo Dayao and directed by Dan Villegas, it promises to be a chilling watch.
“Espantaho,” featuring top-caliber actresses Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino, is directed by renowned filmmaker Chito Roño. Family secrets come to light in this Quantum Films 20th anniversary offering, co-produced by CineKo Productions and Purple Bunny Productions.
“Topakk,” a psychological thriller, stars impressive award-winners Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes. Directed by Richard Somes and produced by Nathan Productions, the film has already made waves internationally, screening at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 and premiering at the 76th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023. Written by Will Fredo, Jim Flores, and Somes, it also stars Sid Lucero.
“My Future You,” from Regal Entertainment, stars rising talents Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz. Written and directed by Crisanto Aquino, this romantic drama with a multi-timeline narrative showcases the young stars’ range as they tackle family issues.
“Hold Me Close,” another romantic tale from Viva Films, is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. Set in Japan, it stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino as two atypical individuals who find love in each other.
These five join the previously announced entries by MMDA’s Atty. Romando Artes last July: ABS-CBN and The IdeaFirst Company’s “And the Bread Winner Is…” starring Vice Ganda; GMA Pictures’ “Green Bones” starring Dennis Trillo; Reality MM Studios’ “Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital” starring Jane de Leon and Enrique Gil; Kapitol Films/Unitel’s “Himala, Isang Musikal” featuring Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante; and APT/M-Zet/MQuest’s “The Kingdom,” starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual.
All ten films will premiere nationwide starting December 25.
The MMFF also unveiled its special edition trophy designed by Filipino artist Jefré. Mirrored and heavy, the trophy is a symbol of Philippine cinema’s rich history and bright future.
