Posted by ReyFort Media
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveiled the first four official entries to its 52nd edition during the festival’s launch at GH Mall in San Juan on Tuesday.
The initial lineup includes “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “Amir,” “Haunted Carnival,” and “The Greatest Showdown.”
Produced by Viva Films, “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” stars Aga Muhlach and Xia Vigor. It expands the story of the 2019 Filipino adaptation as both a prequel and a sequel. It is directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval from a screenplay by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.
GMA Pictures’ “Amir” stars Argus Aspiras, Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, and Glaiza de Castro under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Zig Dulay.
Meanwhile, Regal Entertainment’s “Haunted Carnival,” directed by Joey De Guzman, features an ensemble cast as led by Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, and John Arcilla.
The fourth and final film announced was “The Greatest Showdown,” the long-awaited comedy starring Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto.
Note the MMFF committee built anticipation for the announcement throughout the program, saving the film for last before welcoming the two stars to the stage to one of the loudest receptions of the afternoon.
Vice was all smiles, acknowledging the “Dabarkads,” the collective name for the loyal fans of Vic’s long-running noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” a gesture that drew applause from the crowd.
Tuesday’s announcement confirmed months of speculation that “The Greatest Showdown” would be part of this year’s MMFF.
Since early this year, Vice and Vic had been teasing their first movie together, with the buildup culminating in a grand launch event last Sunday. While that event officially unveiled the project, it stopped short of confirming its inclusion in the festival lineup.
Directed by Jun Robles-Lana, “The Greatest Showdown” is a co-production among ABS-CBN Studios, Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, M-Zet Productions, and APT Entertainment.
Also during the launch, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson and MMFF Overall Chair Atty. Don Artes announced that cinema ticket prices during the festival will be capped at P299.
“Nagkasundo kami ng Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Pilipinas na ang presyo ng tickets sa sinehan ay hindi dapat lalagpas ng P299,” Artes said.
He clarified that the price cap will only apply during the festival period and that ticket prices may still be lower in some areas.
“Ito po ay during festival period lamang, at ‘yung P299 ay maximum. Pwede pa bumaba, lalo na sa mga probinsya,” he added. (N. Ramos/mb.com.ph)
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