The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which will be available on a digital platform for the first time, has earned the support of President Rodrigo Duterte, describing the event “a beacon of hope.”
Duterte, in his message for the MMFF, acknowledged the annual film festival as the “pioneer and foremost industry event that showcases the best Filipino filmmaking, and how it compares with the rest of the world”.
“The Metro Manila Film Festival has given us memorable films that convey the richness of our culture and heritage. This year, festival entries will be shown online so that you can see them with your families in the safety of our homes,” the Chief Executive said in a pre-recorded speech aired over MMFF’s official Facebook page.
“May the festival continue to be a beacon of hope for the advancement of the Philippine cinema and for the growth as a nation.”
“May the festival continue to be a beacon of hope for the advancement of the Philippine cinema and for the growth as a nation,” he added.
The annual tradition, which began in 1975, has given the Filipino audience a time to enjoy the holidays with their family and friends at the cinemas, Duterte said.
Now on its 45th year, the MMFF features a diverse line-up of movies, ranging from drama, comedy, romance, horror, action, to thriller, biopic to fantasy adventure.
The 10 official entries are: Magikland, Coming Home, The Missing, Tagpuan, Isa Pang Bahaghari, Suarez, the Healing Priest, Mang Kepweng, Ang Lihim ng Bandang Itim, Pakboys Takusa, The Boy Foretold by the Stars, and Fan Girl.
All 10 official entries will be streamed online beginning December 25, Christmas Day to January 7, 2021, via Upstream.ph.
MMDA and MMFF Overall Chairman Danilo Lim expressed gratitude to the President’s message of support, saying it is a big boost to the annual film fest which is part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. The MMFF is in partnership with Globe, Upstream and GMovies.
“We thank President Duterte for his words of encouragement for this year’s MMFF. His message is a morale booster to the local film industry that has been trying to survive amid the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic,” Lim said.
Though MMFF movies can be watched anywhere, the traffic chief also said that anti-piracy safeguards are in place to keep off illegal streaming through Globe’s #PlayItRight campaign.
“The best way we could help our local moviemakers and producers is by not engaging in movie piracy.”
“The best way we could help our local moviemakers and producers is by not engaging in movie piracy. We encourage everyone to report illegal streamers and streaming sites,” the traffic head added.
In compliance with the health and safety protocols for COVID-19, regular activities such as Parade of Stars and the Gabi ng Parangal will also be streamed online.
The MMFF is an annual event held every Christmas organized primarily to promote Philippine cinema. Proceeds from the film festival go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry.