Following the success of its golden year, the 51st iteration of the Metro Manila Film Festival is anchored on the theme “A New Era for Philippine Cinema.”
After two years of lineups with 10 films, the MMFF is returning with a lineup of eight films.
Included in this roster is “Call Me Mother,” starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda, and directed by UST communication alumnus Jun Robles Lana.
The comedy-drama follows the adoption of a boy by a queer mother whose plans are upended when the boy’s biological mother suddenly comes into the picture.
“Manila’s Finest,” directed by Raymond Red and co-written by UST computer science alumna Michiko Yamamoto, follows policemen amid a period of turmoil in 1969.
This film marks Teatro Tomasino alumnus Piolo Pascual’s third straight year in the film festival, coming off leading roles in 2023 MMFF entry “Mallari” and 2024 MMFF entry “The Kingdom.”
Other entries in the film festival include Kip Oebanda’s highly anticipated drama “Bar Boys: After School.”
Picking up 10 years after its prequel “Bar Boys,” it examines the effect of the passage of time on institutions and relationships. The follow-up features both familiar and new faces, such as Carlo Aquino and Will Ashley.
Director Sigrid Andrea Bernado adds “I’mPerfect” to her purposeful filmography. It is a reflective drama about a couple with Down syndrome, and the film looks to tug at the heartstrings of audiences with its depiction of grief.
Mae Cruz-Alviar directs “Love You So Bad,” a love-triangle romance featuring Pinoy Big Brother stars Bianca de Vera and Will Ashley, alongside UST College of Commerce and Business Administration alumnus Dustin Yu.
Filmmaker Jade Castro presents “Rekonek,” a Gerald Anderson-led family drama that aims to bring something to the table with its portrayal of familial relationships.
Former MMFF mainstay “Shake, Rattle & Roll” makes its comeback to the film festival after 11 years. Its new entry “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” will have three segments set in different periods.
Finally, veteran director Jeffrey Jeturian offers “UnMarry,” a drama that follows the parallels of two married couples.
All MMFF entries will start showing on Dec. 25. David Nigel C. Cortes
