Eight films will hit our cinemas for this annual Christmas affair
When people think of a stereotypical Filipino Christmas, it gets characterized by large family reunions. The piles upon piles of sweets and pastries occupying our dinner tables. The start is signified when the parols go up, and the (artificial) pine trees get decorated as Jose Mari Chan and Mariah Carey climb up the music charts. But perhaps a universal sign that Christmas is well underway is the deadline for international films hitting the cinemas. Because by Christmas Day, all need to make way for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
While this affair has gotten the ire of film critics for only adding hour-long product placement commercials wrapped in slapstick comedy, the lineup has significantly improved through the years. I mean, you’ve seen the likes of Marlon Rivera’s Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough, Antoinette Jadaone’s Fan Girl and Carlo Manatad’s Kun Maupay Man It Panahon—entries from the past few years that have significantly risen our expectations.
So for the 48th Metro Manila Film Festival, a total of eight movies will hit the cinemas from December 25, 2022 to January 7, 2023. Of course, the affair kicked off with the annual Parade of Stars. We also give you a lowdown on the who, what and more about the annual MMFF up ahead:
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Deleter
Director: Mikhail Red
Starring: Starring Nadine Lustre, Louise Delos Reyes, McCoy De Leon and Jeffrey Hidalgo
Genre: Techno-horror, psychological thriller
Family Matters
Director: Nuel Crisostomo Naval
Starring: Noel Trinidad, Liza Lorena, Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, Nikki Valdez, James Blanco and JC Santos
Genre: Drama
Labyu with an Accent
Director: Rodel Nacianceno
Starring: Coco Martin, Jodi Sta. Maria, John Estrada, Joross Gamboa
Genre: Romantic comedy
Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told
Director: Lester Dimaranan
Starring: Aljur Abrenica, Paolo Gumabao, Claudine Barretto
Genre: Action
My Father, Myself
Director: Joel Lamangan
Starring: Dimples Romana, Sean de Guzman and Jake Cuenca
Genre: Drama
My Teacher
Director: Paul Soriano
Starring: Toni Gonzaga, Joey De Leon, Ronnie Alonte, Loisa Andalio, Carmi Martin, Rufa Mae Quinto, Kakai Bautista
Genre: Drama
Nanahimik ang Gabi
Director: Shugo Praico
Starring: Ian Veneracion, Heaven Peralejo and Mon Confiado
Genre: Erotic suspense thriller
Partners in Crime
Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina
Starring: Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi
Genre: Adventure-action comedy
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For the wheres, check out the screening schedules in the cinemas nearest you. Have a holly, jolly movie-filled Christmas. If you plan to stay in all holiday szn long, we give you a list of Christmas romcoms you can stream.
Art Macky Arquilla