The 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival now has all eight official entries. The second batch was unveiled on Monday, Oct. 12 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, hosted by Enchong Dee and KaladKaren. The festival opens in cinemas on Christmas Day.
The new four:
- “Los Salvajes Bravos” (Romnick Sarmenta, Ruru Madrid; directed by Paolo Dy). A historical film based on the 1887 exposition in Madrid where Igorot people were taken to Spain for “exhibit.”
- “Little Hope” (Yassi Pressman, Pepe Herrera; directed by Benedict Mique). A family drama about two people brought together by a child with cancer.
- “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF” (Zaijian Jaranilla). A documentary on the Claretian missionary’s captivity and death in Basilan.
- “A Perfect Marriage” (Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino; directed by Dan Villegas; Quantum Films). A drama about love, loss, and parenthood. Chiu thanked the festival in a social media post.
The first four, announced in July: “The Greatest Showdown” (Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto), “Amir” (Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras), the horror entry “Haunted Carnival” (Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, John Arcilla) and “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” (Aga Muhlach, Jodi Sta. Maria).
An eligibility question. Questions have been raised about “Seeds of Peace.” According to an Oct. 14 report by radar.ph cited by one outlet, promotional materials advertised ticketed screenings of the film in April, at P299 to P349. The Claretians’ website also reported special community screenings. MMFF rules require official entries to have their Philippine premiere during the festival, though they allow one technical preview and up to three non-revenue promotional previews if disclosed in advance in writing.
MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer said due process will be observed and the producers will get a chance to respond. As of the latest report we saw, no decision had been made. These are questions, not findings.
Ticket cap. MMDA chairman Romando Artes earlier said regular-cinema tickets for this edition will be capped at P299, a move meant to make the festival more affordable after prices were cited as a factor in past turnout.
The Parade of Stars is set for Dec. 19 in Mandaluyong and San Juan, with a separate parade in Bacolod City.
