MMFF announces first four official entries, including new 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' film
The Metro Manila Film Festival has announced its first four official entries for this year's 51st edition.
During the grand launch on July 8, the MMFF unveiled the following titles, along with their respective stars and directors:
- Call Me Mother, starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda; directed by Jun Robles Lana.
- Rekonek, starring Gerald Anderson, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Carmina Villaroel, and Zoren Legaspi; directed by Jade Castro.
- Manila's Finest, starring Piolo Pascual; directed by Rae Red
- Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins, starring Ivana Alawi, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Carla Abellana, Ysabel Ortega, Ashley Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu, and Seth Fedelin; directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Lorenos.
This year's festival has the theme "MMFF 51: A New Era for Philippine Cinema."
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said 23 scripts were submitted this year.
Artes noted that the first four entries were "very promising." He expressed hope that the next four, which will be announced on Sept. 30, would be the same, if not better.
The official stated that the 2025 MMFF will revert to its original format of eight entries instead of 10, which it started in 2023.
"Nahihirapan kami mag-distribute ng cinemas," he said. "Sa walo, mas maraming sinehan ang makakakuha ng slots at mas malaki ang chance ng bawat pelikula na kumita."
Makati, meanwhile, will host the MMFF Parade of Stars for the first time this year.
Mayor Nancy Binay assured the public that their debut hosting will have enough preparations.
"We will make sure na bonggang-bongga ang parada," Binay said, adding that they'd be in talks with cinemas for the possibility of giving ticket discounts.
"Makikiusap kami sa exhibitors para mas maraming makaafford at makapanood. Gusto naming bigyan ng pagkakataon ang lahat," she said.
The MMFF will take place in December.
