The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
The worries and anxieties of major local film productions are over about their entries to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival.
The hierarchy, management and staff of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) through its Chairman, Don Artes, has finally announced the first four official entries to this year’s fiesta of Filipino films.
The announcement, which was witnessed by Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) member Rose Garcia-Fabregas, was made at the East Wing Atrium of GH Mall in San Juan City this afternoon.
The initial four films to vie various awards and race to the box-office are “The 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” from Viva Films which stars Aga Muhlach, among others, with Nuel Crisostomo Naval at the helm.
“Amir” from GMA Pictures which features Argus Aspiras, Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley and Glaiza de Castro, among others under Zig Dulay’s directorial expertise.
“Haunted Carnival” from Regal Films which showcases the acting talents of Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, James Reid, John Arcilla and Maricel Soriano with Joey de Guzman as director.
“The Greatest Showdown” from Star Cinema, M-Zet Productions, The IdeaFirst Company and APT Films which brings together Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda under Jun Robles Lana’s direction.
According to Artes, the tickets during the 52nd MMFF are priced at P299 in all cinemas. “But the producers can lower them ,but not to exceed,” he clarified.
The host cities in this year’s celebration are Mandaluyong, San Juan and for the very first time, Bacolod City.
The 2026 MMFF will kick off on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026 usually until the first week of January, 2027.