49th MMFF kicks off on Christmas Day

The annual Metro Manila Film Festival opens today, Christmas Day, in all  theaters nationwide.

The 49th MMFF boosts of ten films contesting for box-office supremacy and vying for awards on its awarding on December 27, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao.

Which films wiil be top grossers and ceĺlar dwellers?

Who will win major acting and creative awards?

Which film will bring home the eponymous Antonio J. Villegas Award, the top plum in honor of the late former mayor of Manila and who fathered the festival?

Which film will take home the Most-Gender Sensitive Film?

There are variations in this year’s fest, though.

After a considerable years of just screening eight films, the Selection Committee of the Year of the Rabbit film fiesta decided to add two more entries to the fomer number of line-up.

Four Local Government Units LGUs), namely cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela combined forces to host the Parade of Stars as another first in the history of the festival.

The following is the 2023 MMFF Magic 10:

Mentorque Productions’ “Mallari,” a historical thriller which stars Piolo Pascual. Derick Cabrido directs; JG Productions’ “When I Met You in Tokyo” which topbills Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon with the special participation of Tirso Cruz III, among others. Conrado Peru and Rommel Penesa direct; Jesuit Communications’ “Gomburza,” a historical drama which features Dante Rivero, Enchong Dee and Piolo Pascual. Pepe Diokno directs; GMA Films’ “Firefly,” a fantasy which showcases Alessandra de Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell. Zig Dulay directs; Quantum Films’ “K(A)mpon,” a genre film which presents Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ransay. King Palisoc directs; BMC Films’ “Broken Hearts Trip,” an LGBTQIA+ film. Lemuel Lorca directs. The IdeaFirst Company’s “Becky and Badette,” a comedy which pits acting chops of Pokwang and Eugene Domingo. Jun Robles Lana directs; Star Cinema’s ” Rewind,” a romcom which stars Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. King Palisoc directs; Viva Films’ “Penduko,” a fantasy drama which highlights Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes. Jason Paul Laxamana directs and Cineko Productions’ “Family of 2,” a family drama which topbills Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards. Nuel Naval directs.

One of the major activities of the 49th MMFF was the colorful Parade of Stars which showcased the floats of the films.

Now, take your pick.