Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda are returning to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) after a couple of years without an entry in the country’s biggest film festival. Vic’s “The Kingdom” and Vice’s “And the Breadwinner Is” were included in the first half of entries announced by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Executive Committee for the 50th MMFF yesterday at the Bulwagan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
MMDA head Atty. Romando Artes also revealed a surprise addition: instead of the usual four entries, five films were announced, bringing the total number of entries for this December’s film festival to ten. This marks a significant milestone as MMFF celebrates its golden jubilee.
The first five official entries are:
“And the Breadwinner Is,” starring Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo, produced by Star Cinema and Ideafirst, and directed by Jun Lana.
GMA Films’ “Green Bones,” starring Dennis Trillo and directed by Zig Dulay.
Reality Entertainment’s “Strange Frequencies, Haunted Hospital,” starring Enrique Gil and Jane De Leon, directed by Kerwin Go.
“Himala the Musical,” featuring Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante, directed by Pepe Diokno.
“The Kingdom,” starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual, directed by Michael Tuvera.
Several activities have been lined up leading to the December event. In August, there will be a launch of a mural featuring MMFF classic posters. September will feature screenings of 50 Filipino movies for only P50 each. October will see the regional launch of MMFF50 and a student film caravan. The December festivities will include the annual MMFF parade on December 15, Movie Premiere Week from December 15 to December 20, the MMFF Sponsors Night on December 21, and the highly anticipated MMFF50 Gabi ng Parangal on December 27. A customized trophy, crafted by renowned Filipino artist Jefre, will be presented at the Gabi ng Parangal to commemorate this landmark event.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos witnessed the announcement with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, who will be hosting the golden jubilee, Boots Anson-Roa, head of the selection committee, among others.
