MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday announced the first four official entries to the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), while also introducing a P299 cap on movie ticket prices during the annual Christmas film festival.
Selected from 26 script submissions, the first batch of official entries includes:
"2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7" (Viva Films), written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario and directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval.
"The GrEATest SHOWdown," starring Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto, directed by Jun Robles Lana.
"Haunted Carnival" (Regal Entertainment Inc.), directed by Joey de Guzman and starring James Reid, Fyang Smith, Julia Barretto, John Arcilla and Maricel Soriano.
"Amir" (GMA Pictures), directed by Zig Dulay and starring Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, Glaiza de Castro and Argus.
All four films are scheduled to premiere in Philippine theaters on Dec. 25 as part of the annual film festival.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the selection committee had a difficult time choosing the first four entries because of the strong pool of submissions.
"Based on the 26 script entries submitted, I can say that the selection committee had a difficult time choosing the four official entries for the 52nd MMFF," Artes said during the announcement.
He also announced several innovations for this year's festival, including expanding activities beyond Metro Manila.
In addition to San Juan and Mandaluyong serving as this year's host cities, Bacolod City will also host various MMFF-related events throughout December.
"We have many innovations this year. Aside from our two host cities, San Juan and Mandaluyong, we are also bringing the MMFF to Bacolod City, where we will hold various festival activities," Artes said.
Artes also announced what he described as good news for Filipino moviegoers: the MMDA and the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) have agreed to set a maximum movie ticket price of P299 during the MMFF period.
"The P299 is only the maximum price. Ticket prices can still go lower, especially in the provinces, depending on the decision of theater owners, CEAP and the producers," he said.
The remaining four official entries, completing the eight-film lineup for this year's MMFF, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival will run beginning Dec. 25 in cinemas nationwide.