by Stephanie Bernardino
The eight entries to the 48th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) were finally announced.
The selection committee headed by veteran actress Boots Anson Rodrigo said they picked the eight films based on the following criteria – 40% for artistic excellence, 40% for commercial appeal, 10% for Filipino cultural values, and 10% for global appeal.
The final four are Nadine Lustre’s horror movie “Deleter” directed by Mik Red and produced by Viva Communications, Inc.; Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena’s family drama “Family Matters” directed by Nuel Naval and produced by Cineko; Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, and Paolo Gumabao’s action-drama “Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told” directed by Lester Dimaranan and produced by Borracho Film Production; and Jake Cuenca, Dimples Romana’s drama “My Father, Myself” directed by Joel Lamangan and produced by 3:16 Media Network.
The first four official entries based on script submissions were announced last July.
These are: Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria’s “Labyu With An Accent” by ABS-CBN Film Productions; Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi’s “Partners In Crime” by ABS-CBN Film Productions; Joey de Leon and Toni Gonzaga’s “The Teacher” by TEN17P; and Ian Veneracion, Heaven Peralejo, and Mon Confiado’s “Nanahimik Ang Gabi” by Rein Entertainment Productions.
With this year’s message “Balik Saya sa MMFF 2022” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III urged moviegoers to support the festival, which has been part of the Filipinos’ Christmas tradition over the years.
The 48th MMFF will run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2023.
