LOOK: Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 unveils its final five
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is back and ready to entertain audiences with a diverse selection of films this holiday season. With a record-breaking 70 submissions vying for a coveted spot, the MMFF selection committee has curated a final list of 10 films that promise to deliver compelling stories, stellar performances, and a cinematic experience unlike any other. Let’s dive into the last five films that will grace the silver screen this Christmas.
Love, Time, and Second Chances
Imagine a love story that transcends the boundaries of time. In “My Future You,” written and directed by Crisanto Aquino, two lovers separated by three decades find themselves connected through a mysterious comet and a dating app. Karen, a woman from the future, seeks the help of Lex, a man from the past, to change her past and prevent her parents’ separation. But as they tamper with time, they soon realize that altering the past can have unforeseen consequences on their future.
Justice Served Cold
“Uninvited” is a gripping thriller that brings together a powerhouse cast including Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, and Nadine Lustre. Directed by Dan Villegas and written by Dodo Dayao, the film follows Eva Candelaria as she infiltrates the birthday party of the billionaire who murdered her daughter ten years prior. Driven by a mother’s thirst for justice, Eva embarks on a chilling mission to confront everyone involved in her daughter’s death, leading to a final showdown with her ultimate target.
Unveiling the Supernatural
Prepare to be spooked by “Espantaho,” a horror film directed by Chito S. Roño and written by Chris Martinez. Starring Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Mon Confiado, Janice de Belen, and Eugene Domingo, the film delves into the lives of a woman and her mother, Rosa, who both become entangled in relationships with married men. Following the death of Rosa’s lover, a mysterious painting appears on their doorstep, and soon after, people start disappearing. The two women must unravel the secrets behind these strange occurrences before they become the next victims.
From Battlefield to City Streets
“Topakk,” directed by Richard V. Somes, stars Arjo Atayde as Miguel, a former platoon leader haunted by the deaths of his men in battle. As he struggles with PTSD, Miguel takes on a job as a security guard, where he encounters a young girl in danger. He must overcome his inner demons and confront a corrupt police squad to protect her and seek redemption.
Finding Happiness in a Touch
“Hold Me Close” is a heartwarming story of a man’s journey to find his place in the world. After seven years of wandering, he arrives in a small town in Japan where he meets a girl with a unique ability: she can sense whether a person will bring happiness or harm into her life simply by touching them. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and starring Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino, this film explores the magic of human connection and the search for belonging.
A Golden Celebration
These five films join the previously announced first batch of entries, completing the lineup for MMFF 2024. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival, a significant milestone celebrated with various initiatives, including “Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta” and the Student Short Film Competition. With plans to screen the films in 900 cinemas nationwide, MMFF 2024 is set to be a grand celebration of Filipino filmmaking talent and a memorable cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.
