On Friday, February 24, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) recently announced the eight official entries for its first-ever Summer edition, held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City.
MMFF chair for the selection committee Ms. Boots Anson-Rodrigo and MMDA acting chairman and MMFF overall chair Atty. Don Artes announced the successful entries from 33 submissions for the summer fest. Of the overall number of films submitted, 23 are new films, while 10 are resubmissions from the December 2022 MMFF.
Here are the official entries in alphabetical order:
About Us but NOT About Us.
This drama-thriller tells the story of Eric, a literature professor at the English Department of the University of the Philippines, who meets up with his student, and rumored lover, Lancelot, months after the suicide of Marcus, a celebrated Filipino writer best known for his novels in English, and Eric’s longtime partner.
As their conversation becomes more detailed and complicated, secrets and lies will be unearthed and the sinister nature of their identities will be revealed while they all wrestle with the truth.
It is produced by Octoberian Films, The Ideafirst Company, and Quantum Films, directed by Jun Robles Lana, and starring Romnick Sarmienta and Elijah Canlas.
APAG.
The crime drama stars Coco Martin. Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, and Gladys Reyes; and is directed by the award-winning Brillante Mendoza.
It is about Rafael, a son of a wealthy family. He caused a deadly car accident while returning home after shopping to prepare for a feast. Frightened, he tried to cover up the case.
Here Comes the Groom.
It’s the sequel to the hit film Here Comes the Bride. It follows the story of Rodrigo, Sr., his wife Salve, and their children Rodrigo, Jr. and Blesilda who are on their way to Junior’s wedding amid a solar eclipse and cruising on a magnetic field when their vehicle hits the van of a family of a gay pageant ‘konteseras’ (contestants) Mama Wendy, Wanda, Winona, Wilhelmina, and Whitney their trainee and a soul swapping occurred. They had to stay in their swapped bodies for the next seven years.
Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, and Brightlight Productions produced the film, and Chris Martinez directed the film. It stars Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilohuette, Maris Racal, and KaladKaren.
Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.
This musical film is a mini-biopic of the life and career of Rey Valera.
It highlights his inspirations and background of some of the blockbuster songs that he composed such as Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Mo, Malayo pa ang Umaga, Mr. DJ, Pangako sa Yo, and Maging Sino Ka Man. RK Bagatsing leads the cast with Aljur Abrenica, Gelli de Belen, Christopher De Leon and many more.
It is produced by Saranggola Media and directed by Joven Tan.
Love You Long Time.
This romance film tells the love story of Eulogio and Ikay after six years of being a couple, their relationship has gone stale and Eulogio’s marriage proposal was outrightly rejected by Ikay. When they broke up, Ikay decided to pack her bags and went to Baguio. On her way to Baguio, Ikay mysteriously met a new guy Uli through an old push-to-talk phone.
Their friendship turned to love but of course not without complications as Uli seems to be from the past. As Uli and Ikay try to figure out how to go about this hurdle and finally meet in person, despite their varying timelines, it is revealed that what seems to be a brand new love is something they have experienced before but have forgotten.
Studio Three Sixty, Inc., directed by JP Habac, starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano.
SingleBells.
TINCAN produced the romantic comedy film, written and directed by Fifth Solomon, starring Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga, and Angeline Quinto.
The film is about the life and experience and learnings of two single ladies Rose Ann and Rose Mae. Rose Ann swore to forever be single after being left at the altar by the love of her life, Jeric. After that, she promised to never love again and to focus on taking care of her handicapped mother. After many years, destiny, however, puts her to the test when she crosses paths with Jeric again at the radio station she works at. Rose Mae is the opposite – she’s desperate to be in a relationship and spends most of her time on dating apps and speed dating events.
Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story.
This drama film opens as the number of Lucy is called for her interview at a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) center. She calmly takes a seat in front of the interviewer. When asked what her purpose in applying for a Schengen visa (to visit Switzerland) is, she clears her throat. Lucy gets teary-eyed, as we dissolve into various scenarios of Lucy trying to end her life.
It is produced by Mavx Productions, Inc., directed by RC Delos Reyes, and stars Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla.
Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko.
The romance drama film is about a writer named Liza, who meets a Korean man named Kim Gun Hoo at the promotions and book signing for her book.
The Korean man professes to be a fan of hers and later invites her to explore the filming locations in Korea. In Korea, Gun Hoo reveals that he and Liza [actually] knew each other and had been dating for six years. Later it is revealed that Liza got raised by her Filipino mother, who worked in Korea but committed suicide which affected her so much and caused her to develop PTSD that made her forget everything about her time and life in Korea, including her memories of Gun Hoo.
Viva Communications, Inc. produced the film, Ms. Bela Padilla, the lead star, also directed it.
Like the December film fest, the summer edition also follows the same schedule of events like Parade of Stars and Awards Night.
