The organizer of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announced on Tuesday that the festival’s 10 film entries amassed a staggering P1.069 billion in gross receipts, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. Despite the reduced number of cinemas, with only 800 open compared to 1,200 in 2018, the MMFF saw a significant increase in earnings. Romando Artes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chief and MMFF concurrent chairman, attributed the success to the quality of films and the inclusion of a broader audience, including the ABC market, instead of solely targeting the CDE markets. Artes expressed hope that this trend would continue beyond the festival, enabling film producers to offer high-quality movies throughout the year. He also encouraged filmmakers to create better films in preparation for the MMFF’s 50th edition.
Following the conclusion of the 49th MMFF edition, the MMFF Committee is now preparing for the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), where the 10 film festival entries from 2023 will be screened in Los Angeles, California, from January 29 to February 2. Additionally, various activities leading up to the 50th MMFF edition have been planned, including a student short film caravan, a short film festival, the publication of a commemorative coffee-table book, and Cine 50, which will showcase the top 50 MMFF films from the past 49 years in selected theaters for just P50.
Atty. Artes expressed his anticipation for the 50th MMFF edition and emphasized the importance of celebrating the return of cinema-goers to theaters while supporting local films. On the other hand, Winston Emano, the MIFF Consultant and Spokesperson, praised the MMFF for its remarkable success and record-breaking gross receipts, assuring that the MIFF would build upon this momentum and provide a bigger spotlight for Filipino cinema on the global stage. The MIFF aims to facilitate exchanges of ideas and knowledge-sharing between Filipino and American celebrities, filmmakers, and scriptwriters, with the ultimate goal of bridging the gap and connecting the Philippine entertainment industry to Hollywood and the international arena.
As the MMFF revels in its triumph, the organizers face a hurdle in the form of film piracy. Reports have emerged stating that the MMFF film entry Rewind has been leaked, illegally streamed, and distributed online. Atty. Artes assured the public that the authorities are actively coordinating to swiftly take down the illegally streamed films. He also urged the public to refrain from engaging in movie piracy, emphasizing that it is a punishable crime and undermines the hard work, talent, and resources invested by Filipino filmmakers in their projects.
The success of the 2023 MMFF edition serves as a testament to the thriving Filipino film industry and the growing support of local cinema. With plans underway for the MIFF and the 50th MMFF edition, the future looks promising for Filipino filmmakers and audiences alike. As the love for local films continues to flourish, the MMFF remains committed to delivering high-quality productions and providing a platform for the world to appreciate the rich storytelling and creativity of Filipino cinema.
