The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrated its 50th edition with a recognition of outstanding achievements in filmmaking and performances from this year’s 10 official entries and notable contributions to its success and evolution in five decades, at the Gabi ng Parangal held at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City recently.
Before various awards were presented, MMDA Chairman and concurrent MMFF Overall Chairman Atty. Don Artes highlighted the MMFF’s significance in boosting interest in Filipino cinema.
“The MMFF serves as a beacon of hope in bringing back the excitement of the Filipino film industry to the public,” Artes said.
“The MMFF has been a well-loved tradition of all Filipino families who gather yearly to enjoy watching these film entries during the Christmas Season.”
“The MMFF has been a well-loved tradition of all Filipino families who gather yearly to enjoy watching these film entries during the Christmas Season,” the MMDA chief added.
Aside from this, he said that with the help of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the film entries will also be shown abroad, not only for fellow Filipinos to enjoy but also to showcase the talents and quality of Filipino films to foreign film enthusiasts.
For his part, former MMDA Chairman and DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the film festival has been the home of well-written stories, has witnessed the best talents in the industry, and has awarded the best showcase of arts that Filipino filmmakers have to offer.
Acknowledging difficulties faced during previous years, Abalos conveyed optimism and continued support to the Philippine cinema.
More than the awards night, the event became a celebration of the achievements of Filipino cinema over the years. Former president Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada was presented with a MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the film industry. Other MMFF icon artists, filmmakers, and key figures in the film industry for the last 50 years were also paid tributes.
“It is important to sustain and nurture Filipino filmmaking that will be passed on to the younger generations.”
Estrada’s message, delivered by son, Senator Jinggoy, highlighted how the local cinema has been an integral part of his career and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to sustain and nurture Filipino filmmaking that will be passed on to the younger generations.
The event also featured performances from renowned artists Rachelle Ann Go and Apl de Ap, among other local talents that added to the excitement and engagement of the participants.
A prelude to the awards night was a red carpet event where artists and filmmakers walked, posed for photos, and interacted with members of the press.
The winners received a trophy–a commemorative statuette designed by Filipino-American visual artist Jefre.
The MMFF officially opened on December 25, Christmas Day, and will run until January 7, 2025.
MMFF Awards Night 2024 Winners:
MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada
Best Float: “Uninvited” and “Topakk”
Gender Sensitivity Award: “And the Breadwinner Is…”
3rd Best Student Short Film: “PNB 12-50” (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
2nd Best Student Short Film: “A Delivery Rider” (City of Malabon University)
Best Student Short Film: “Saan Aabot ang Singkwenta Pesos Mo?” (University of Makati)
Special Jury Prize: “Inang Wak-Wak” (Mindanao State University-General Santos)
Best Visual Effects: “The Kingdom” (Riot Inc.)
Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens, “Green Bones”
Best Musical Score: Vincent de Jesus, “Isang Himala”
Best Sound: Ditoy Aguila, “Strange Frequencies, Taiwan Killer Hospital”
Best Original Theme Song: “Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso” from “Isang Himala”, by Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee, interpreted by Juan Karlos
Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, “My Future You”
Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, “Green Bones”
Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena, “The Kingdom”
Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro, “Isang Himala”
Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid, “Green Bones”
Breakthrough Performance Award: Seth Fedelin, “My Future You”
Special Jury Citation: Vice Ganda
Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, “Green Bones”
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: “Topakk”
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: “The Kingdom”
Best Actor: Dennis Trillo, “Green Bones”
Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos, “Espantaho”
Special Jury Prize (tie): “Topakk” and “Isang Himala”
Best Director (tie): Crisanto Aquino, “My Future You”; and Michael Tuviera, “The Kingdom”
4th Best Picture: “Isang Himala”
3rd Best Picture: “My Future You”
2nd Best Picture: “The Kingdom”
Best Picture: “Green Bones”
