The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) officially commenced on December 6, 2024, with a grand opening event at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.
The celebration, open to the public, marked the beginning of promotional activities for the festival’s golden anniversary, set to culminate on December 25.
Fans and media flocked to the venue to witness trailers and behind-the-scenes footage from this year’s 10 official entries. The excitement in the air was palpable as fans cheered for their favorite stars, many of whom graced the event to promote their films.
During the event, Atty. Don Artes, Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF, highlighted the significance of this year’s milestone celebration.
“We have seen the trailers and the stories featured in the 50th edition of MMFF. Many notable actors will bring brilliance to the golden edition of our film festival. Let us support the 10 films of MMFF, the Filipino films,” Artes said.
He was joined by Atty. Rochelle Ona, MMFF Executive Director, in rallying support for the festival and its featured movies.
This year’s MMFF lineup boasts a mix of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, promising a memorable festival for moviegoers:
Cast: Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, Lotlot de Leon, Elijah Canlas
Director: Dan Villegas
Producers: Mentorque Productions, Warner Bros, Project 8 Projects
Uninvited
Cast: Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez
Director: Michael Tuviera
Producers: MQuest Ventures, M-ZET TV Productions, APT Entertainment
The Kingdom
Cast: Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee
Director: Richard Somes
Producer: Nathan Studios
Topakk
Cast: Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra
Director: Pepe Diokno
Producer: Unitel Pictures
Isang Himala
Cast: Carlo Aquino, Julia Barretto
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Producer: Viva Films
Hold Me Close
Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Janice de Belen, JC Santos
Director: Chito Roño
Producers: Quantum Films, Cineko Productions
Espantaho
Cast: Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin
Director: Crisanto B. Aquino
Producer: Regal Films
My Future You
Cast: Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon, Alexa Miro
Producers: Dondon Monteverde, Erik Matti
Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital
Cast: Vice Ganda, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes
Director: Jun Lana
Producers: ABS-CBN Star Cinema, IdeaFirst Company
And the Breadwinner Is
Cast: Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid, Alessandra de Rossi
Producers: GMA Pictures, Brightburn Entertainment
Green Bones
One of the festival’s main highlights is the Parade of Stars, featuring intricately designed floats for each of the 10 films. This year, the City of Manila will host the parade, taking an extensive route through iconic streets such as Jones Bridge, España Boulevard, and Roxas Boulevard. The parade will conclude at the Manila Central Post Office, where a free concert featuring MMFF stars will cap off the festivities.
The 50th MMFF is set to bring a nostalgic yet forward-looking celebration of Filipino cinema. With its star-studded entries, exciting events, and a commitment to supporting local filmmakers, the festival remains a cornerstone of the Philippine entertainment industry.
The MMFF runs from December 25 to January 7, 2025, in cinemas nationwide.
