Because of the pandemic, the Metro Manila Film Festival had to adapt to the situation. As a result, the 46th Metro Manila Film Festival shifted to video-on-demand streaming to continue the long-honored tradition of promoting Filipino films every December 25th to January 7th of the next year.
Some may find themselves adjusting to the changes with the MMFF 2020. However, the VOD streaming format comes with perks that impact the future of the prestigious film festival.
Here are the ten things to Love with the MMFF 2020.
More choices
Firstly, with the VOD format, movie lovers have more options to choose from as the MMFF entry this 2020 increased from the usual eight movies to ten movies. It gives the audiences a chance to see a diversity of films with different genres of their choosing.
Watch At Home
Additionally, with MMFF 2020 streaming on a VOD Platform via UPSTREAM.ph, movie lovers can watch their favorite entry in the comfort and privacy of their home.
Streaming Available on Different Devices
With the VOD format for the movies, moviegoers can see their favorite MMFF entry through different devices. People can stream their rented film through a mobile device, PC, or Smart TV. However, as per UPSTREAM.ph, streaming is only available with one device at a time.
No First Day, No Last Day
Unlike with the regular MMFF, movies with less reception from the audience had to settle for a set premiere schedule to avoid financial backlash from the lack of patronage. With the MMFF 2020, all entries will have the same premiere date and last date for streaming.
Equal Chances for All Movies
Like the movie Through Night and Day, the VOD format gives the audience the chance to see hidden gems that they would usually dismiss if they were to go to cinemas. Now that the MMFF movies are under a centralized streaming platform, it gives every entry an equal chance to receive recognition from the audience.
Watch with Family with a Single Purchase
Because of the VOD format for MMFF 2020, moviegoers can rent their favored entry together with their families for only P250.00. Instead of purchasing tickets for five people when people watch them in cinemas, patrons of the MMFF 2020 can now enjoy them at a lesser price. It also gives families the chance to use their usual budget for the film festival to see other entries that they may have overlooked when they see the MMFF at cinemas.
No Long Lines
Another benefit of the MMFF 2020 is the lack of long lines we see at Cinemas. Usually, people see jam-packed theaters with lines that take too much of their time, especially during Christmas Day. Why spend two hours in line when you can spend it with your family bonding safely at home?
Safe from COVID-19
With the on-going pandemic, going to malls has been less than ideal for most people because of the fear of getting the COVID-19 virus. With the MMFF 2020 on VOD Streaming, families can stay at home and safely bond over their favorite entry in the film festival.
No Censorship
The MMFF 2020 also caters to different viewers since there will be no censorship from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). However, heads of the film festival assured parents that they placed necessary reminders to make sure they only stream child-friendly content with their family.
Available Worldwide
Finally, since the MMFF 2020 is on a VOD Platform, Filipinos abroad can also watch their favorite entries on December 25. They can now watch the MMFF movies with the same local premiere date. Pinoys overseas can now set up conference calls while watching the MMFF with their families and relatives in the country and bond online.
COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly changed our lives and family traditions. However, change can sometimes be a good thing as it introduces new concepts, ideas, and customs that help families reconnect in times that we need them the most.
