The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Exactly two days before the opening day of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, the tension is getting higher as the showing of the ten official entries to the festival in theaters nationwide is awaited.
Although the preps up to the main derby have been going since the middle of the year, the most exciting stages of the annual movie event are on Christmas day through the New Year to the first week of January 2025.
The Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) is set at the Metropolitan Theater but as we write, there’s no exact date yet, traditionally mostly on December 27 to perk up the interest of the moviegoing public in watching the awarded films and artists of their creative outputs.
Meanwhile, the Parade of Stars on December 21, 2024 was hosted by the Government of the City of Manila that went around more than 7 kilometers within the city from the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Natividad Lopez Street to the Manila Post Office.
Before the Christmas day is over, there are unofficial results of the leading box-office draws of the entries. There is a day-by-day account of the top grossers and the cellar-dwellers until the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) comes out with its official tally after the two-week stint of the festival.
As early as now, observers say that this year’s lineup is impressive and festival quality compared to the selections in the recent past but the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Here are the contenders to the box-office and award prospects of the Magic 10:
“And the Breadwinner is…”; Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company; Dir. Jun Robles Lana
A breadwinner working as an OFW based in Taiwan returns to her hometown and expects her dream house to be completed on her birthday only to find out that their dilapidated house still stands that brings friction to the family. Stars Eugene Domingo, Joel Torres, Gladys Reyes, John Hilario, Kokoy de Santos, among others.
“Green Bones”; GMA Pictures; Dir. Zig Dulay
Prisoner Domingo Zamora is up for parole after being jailed for murder but his journey to freedom is intercepted when newly assigned corrections officer Gonzaga works to ensure that Zamora remains behind bars for killing his sister and niece. Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid play lead roles.
“Isang Himala”; Kapitol Films, USX; Dir. Pepe Diokno
Adapted from the 1982 Ricky Lee-written and now National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal-directed classic drama “Himala” which starred Nora Aunor as Elsa, “Isang Himala” is a musical film that forays into the life of a spiritual healer as she claims to have seen the apparition of the Virgin Mary during a solar eclipse. Features Aicelle Santos as Elsa.
“The Kingdom”; M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment and Media Quest; Dir. Michael Tuviera
The epic historical drama is set in the Kingdom of Kalayaan and centers on Lakan Makisig played by Vic Sotto as he’s thrust into a succession crisis that quickly spirals out of control. Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual star.
“Strange Frequencies; Taiwan Killer Hospital”; Reality MM Studios; Dir. Kerwin Go
A group of Filipino amateur spirit questors and ghost hunters explore the controversial Xinglin General Hospital in Taiwan as they witness strange phenomena in the medical center. Top bills Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon, Alexa Miro, MJ Lastimosa, Raf Pineda and Ryan Azurin.
“Espantaho”; Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, Purple Bunny Productions; Dir. Chito S. Rono
A suspense-horror-drama about a mother and daughter, who live in an old house, are entangled in a web of complicated and morally challenging situations involving married men. Showcases the thespic talents of Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero.
“Hold Me Close”; Viva Films, Ninuo Media; Dir. Jason Paul Laxamana
The fantasy-type film follows Woody, a vagabond who meets Lynlyn in Japan. While she has the special ability to tell if a certain person will cause happiness or harm to her, their platonic relationship turns deeper as the two discover if they really are meant for each other. Stars Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto.
“My Future You”; Regal Entertainment; Dir. Crisanto Aquino
The Gen Z narrative delves into dating apps where youngsters Karen and Lex meet who initially hit it off but when tey see each other in person, they realize they’re on two different timelines, she in 2024 and he in 2009. Features Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin.
“Topakk”; Nathan Studios, Strawdog Studios, FUSSE; Dir. Richard Somes
The action-drama is about a former special forces operative with PTSD who tries to rescue a woman who is being hunted by a corrupt police death squad affiliated with a drug cartel. Presents Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes and Levy Ignacio.
“Uninvited”; Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects; Dir. Dan Vilegas
“Uninvited” follows the story of Eva Candelaria, a mother who seeks revenge on a billionaire named Guilly for killing her daughter. Disguised, she attends his party with a vengeful plan to eliminate the culprit. May the best wins. (Boy Villasanta)