

The 8 official entries for the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016 have finally been revealed!

After implementing major changes in the mechanics of the annual film festival, among which is the merging of mainstream and indie films into a single category, the Executive Committee offers a mix of movie genres for MMFF 2016.

At the press conference held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills earlier today, November 18, the official announcement was met with applause and cheers from producers and even members of the media.



This year, the criteria used for selecting the Magic 8 were:

Story, audience appeal, overall impact (40%) – overall excellence in storytelling, measured by how successfully a film transforms its artistic vision into a vital and movement engagement with its audience



Cinematic attributes and technical excellence (40%) – the degree of creative and technical accomplishment in all departments, such as writing, directing, acting, editing, production design, cinematography, sound and music



Global appeal (10%) – the extent to which a film’s story, characters, and themes resonate with audiences from all walks of like and break through barriers of race, class, and gender



Filipino sensibility (10%) – the extent to which a film’s story, characters, and themes reflecy and interpret the Filipino experience





Continue reading below ↓

TOTAL 100%



As in previous years, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) is dedicating a special section to the MMFF. Here, you will find the synopsis of all the official entries as well as news and updates on their cast and production.



(To stay updated about the latest news about the MMFF, visit http://www.pep.ph/guide/mmff)

The chosen movies will be screened from December 25, 2016 until January 7, 2017.

There are short films that will be partnered with the full-length entries. They will be shown prior to the screening of the feature films.



These short films were chosen from among 25 submissions:



Birds by Christian Paolo Lat

EJK by Bor Ocampo

Manila Scream by Roque Lee and Blair Camilo

Mga Bitoon sa Siudad by Jarell Serencio

Mitatang by Arvin Jezer Gagui

Momo by Avid Liongoren

Passage of Life by Renz Vincemark Cruz and Hannah Daryl Gayapa

Sitsiritsit by Brian Spencer Reyes





The following are the eight official entries of MMFF 2016:

Continue reading below ↓

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough features Eugene Domingo and Jericho Rosales as lead stars. This film, directed by Marlon Rivera, also stars Joel Torre, Agot Isidro, Cai Cortez, Kean Cipriano, and Khalil Ramos.

Die Beautiful has award-winning actor Paolo Ballesteros in the lead role, joined by Luis Alandy, Gladys Reyes, Albie Casino, Lou Veloso, Inah De Belen, IC Mendoza, Christian Bables, and Joel Torre, among others. This entry is written and directed by Jun Robles Lana.

Kabisera is led by superstar Nora Aunor, who is joined by veterans Ricky Davao, Perla Bautista, and Ces Quesada. JC de Vera, Jason Abalos, Victor Neri, RJ Agustin, Ronwaldo Martin, and Kiko Matos also star in this movie written by Real Florido, who co-directed the movie with Arturo “Boy” San Agustin.

Oro is a horror film starring Joem Bascon and directed by Alvin Yapan.



Saving Sally is an Avid Liongoren film starring Rhian Ramos, Enzo Marcos, and TJ Trinidad.

Continue reading below ↓

Seklusyon features a cast composed of Dominic Roque, Hashtag member Ronnie Alonte, volleyball prayer John Vic de Guzman, and model JR Versales. Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Elora Espano, Phoebe Walker, and Rhed Bustamante co-star in this film directed by Erik Matti.

Sunday Beauty Queen is a documentary-drama written and directed by Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez.

Vince and Kath and James is a romantic comedy starring Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia (as Vince), and Ronnie Alonte (as James). The story started as an online series and became a viral hit on social media. This Star Cinema entry is directed by Theodore "Ted" Boborol.





