The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual event highlighting different Filipino films genres. It usually opens on Christmas Day, December 25.
As Christmas Day is just days away, the exciting question is: Which among the eight MMFF 2021 entries will you watch?
A Hard Day
This action-thriller film, under the direction of Lawrence Fajardo, stars Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla. It is a Philippine adaptation of the 2014 South Korean film of the same title.
The film was produced under Viva Films. It was supposed to premiere on MMFF 2020, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big Night!
This black comedy film stars Christian Bables, Eugene Domingo, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, John Arcilla, and Janice De Belen. Jun Robles Lana directs it.
The film is co-produced by Cignal Entertainment, The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films. The film’s setting includes President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs project.
Big Night! first premiered on November 25, 2021, at the 25th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.
Love at First Stream
This Cathy Garcia-Molina film follows the story of a streamer, a student, a breadwinner, and a heartthrob as they explore love and friendship online.
It stars Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, and Anthony Jennings. The film is written by Direk Cathy herself, Kookai Labayen, Ella Palileo, and Isabella Policarpio.
Kun Maupay Man it Panahon
Kun Maupay Man it Panahon or Whether the Weather is Fine is the feature directorial debut of Carlo Francisco Manatad. It stars Daniel Padilla, Rans Rifol, and Charo Santos-Concio.
The film is a disaster movie that shows a combination of satirical and surreal events. It is based on the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan or Typhoon Yolanda.
It is produced by Black Sheep Productions, Globe Studios, and Dreamscape Entertainment. It already had its world premiere at the 74th Locarno Film Festival in August 2021.
Nelia
Nelia is a suspense thriller film that Lester Dimaanan directs. It stars Winwyn Marquez and is produced by A and Q Productions Film.
It follows the story of a nurse attempting to uncover the mystery behind the mysterious deaths of patients in Room 009 in a hospital.
Huwag Kang Lalabas
Adolfo Alix Jr. directs this horror anthology film. The subgenre of the film includes “Kumbento”, “Bahay”, and “Hotel”. The film is under the production of Obra Cinema and Cineko Productions.
“Kumbento” stars Beauty Gonzalez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Yasser Marta, Matet de Leon, Tanya Gomez, and Marcus Madrigal. “Bahay” will star Aiko Melendez, Joaquin Domagoso, James Blanco, Dave Bornea, Ayesha Cervantes, and Soliman Cruz. While “Hotel” will star Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Tina Paner, Brenda Mage, Donna Carriaga, Rico Barrera, and Allan Paule.
The ExorSis
The ExorSis is a horror comedy film directed by Fifth Solomon and is co-produced by Viva Films and TinCan Productions. It stars Alex Gonzaga and Toni Gonzaga.
The film also stars Dennis Padilla, Kat Galang, Joel Saracho, Tess Antonio, Kedebon Colim, Isay Alvarez, and Melai Cantiveros.
Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw
This romantic comedy film stars Rita Daniela and Ken Chan. It is directed by Louie Ignacio and is produced under Heaven’s Best Entertainment.
The film is Rita and Ken’s film debut as a love team. It also stars Lotlot de Leon, Richard Yap, Joe Vargas, Ahwel Paz, John Gabriel, Bryan Benedict, Kenneth Medrano, and Rachel Jacob.
The MMFF 2021 will finally return to the cinemas this year after celebrating MMFF 2020 online due to the pandemic.