Posted by ReyFort Media
A diverse mix of stars, genres and stories is shaping up for the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), as organizers announced the final four entries on Monday, October 12, completing the eight-film lineup for this year’s Christmas festival.
The announcement brought another major screen pairing into the festival with “A Perfect Marriage,” starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. Their inclusion drew excitement from fans at the announcement ceremonies at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, adding to the anticipation surrounding this year’s roster.
The four newly announced entries are “Los Salvajes Bravos,” starring Ruru Madrid and Romnick Sarmenta and directed by Paolo Dy; “Little Hope,” directed by Benedict Mique and starring Pepe Herrera and Yassi Pressman; “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Father Rhoel D. Gallardo, CMF,” directed by Rommel Galapia Ruiz and starring Zaijian Jaranilla; and “A Perfect Marriage,” directed by Dan Villegas and starring Chiu and Avelino.
“Los Salvajes Bravos” offers a historical narrative set against the backdrop of an 1887 exposition in Madrid, Spain. The film follows an Igorot ex-soldier and a group of Filipinos brought to the exposition, whose experiences lead them to plot their escape and return home.
These four titles join the first batch of official entries announced in July, featuring an equally recognizable roster of Filipino stars.
“Amir,” directed by Zig Dulay, stars Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, Glaiza de Castro and child actor Argus Aspiras.
“2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, features Aga Muhlach, Xia Vigor and Jodi Sta. Maria.
Rounding out the initial four are “Haunted Carnival,” a horror film directed by Joey de Guzman and featuring Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, John Arcilla, RK Bagatsing and Ronnie Alonte; and “The Greatest Showdown,” directed by Jun Robles-Lana, which brings together comedy heavyweights Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto.
The completed lineup brings together established stars, familiar screen tandems and films with varied narrative premises. From historical drama to horror and other audience-oriented productions, the selection offers a range of choices for moviegoers during the holiday season.
Another notable feature of this year’s festival is its ticket-price cap of ₱299. Announced earlier by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair and MMFF overall chair Romando Artes, the measure sets the maximum admission price for festival screenings, although cinemas may offer lower rates.
The pricing policy is intended to make festival films more accessible to moviegoers, with affordability potentially helping encourage cinema attendance during the Christmas holidays.(N. Ramos/ mb.com.ph)
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