As the curtains rise in the heart of the Philippines for the MMFF 2023, you find yourself at the epicenter of Filipino cinematic pride: the annual Metro Manila Film Festival. Emerging from the Manila Film Festival’s legacy, the MMFF 2023 now stands as a beacon of Philippine culture, illuminating local talent and stories each December.
You’ll explore a rich tapestry of MMFF films, and official entries that embody the nation’s identity, with every SM cinema in the capital region dedicating its screens to this 2023 edition exclusive showcase.
You become part of a movement that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, as the annual film festival recognizes films that challenge social norms and champion gender sensitivity. It’s an annual pilgrimage for you, the film aficionado, celebrating the artistry that defines and develops the Philippine film industry through the MMFF 2023.
Key Takeaways
- The annual Metro Manila Film Festival was preceded by the Manila Film Festival organized by Mayor Antonio Villegas upon his father’s death in 1966.
- The festival was initially held for 12 days, coinciding with Independence Day and Manila’s founding date.
- The MMFF introduced the New Wave category in 2011 for independent films but discontinued it in 2016, and there is speculation about its return for the 2023 edition.
- The MMFF 2023 edition features the Gabi ng Parangal, an evening program where a million pesos worth of film prizes are awarded in categories, including Best Comedy Film, Director, Actor, and Actress.
Facts About The Metro Manila Film Festival
| Facts | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Name of the festival | Metro Manila Film Festival |
| Type of festival | Annual Film Festival |
| City of origin | Manila |
| Festival Etymology | The festival’s name “Metro Manila” refers to the metropolitan region in the Philippines where it takes place. |
| First celebrated | December 25, 1975 |
| Founder of the Festival | Imelda Marcos |
| Brief history of the festival | The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual event that showcases Filipino films during the Christmas season. It was founded in 1975 by Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines. The festival aims to promote and support the local film industry by exhibiting quality films made by Filipino filmmakers. Over the years, the MMFF has become a popular tradition among Filipinos, attracting both local and international audiences. |
| Brief history of the city | Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and has since played a significant role in shaping the country’s history. Manila has witnessed various historical events, including colonization, revolutions, and wars. Today, it stands as a bustling metropolis and serves as the center of government, commerce, and culture in the Philippines. |
| Ethnic information | Manila is a diverse city with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. The majority of the population is of Filipino descent, but there are also significant Chinese, Spanish, and American communities in the city. |
| Location in the country | Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. |
| How to reach the city | There are several ways to reach Manila: – By air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main gateway to Manila, serving both domestic and international flights. – By sea: Manila has a major seaport, South Harbor, which receives cruise ships and ferries from various parts of the country. – By land: Manila is accessible by bus or private vehicle through highways and expressways. |
| Nearby cities or towns | – Quezon City: 11 km – Pasay City: 8 km – Makati City: 7 km – Mandaluyong City: 9 km – Parañaque City: 11 km – Pasig City: 12 km – Caloocan City: 14 km – Valenzuela City: 17 km |
| Google map link | Map of Manila |
| Festival main events | – Film screenings of selected Filipino movies. – Awards night recognizing outstanding films and performances. – Parade of floats featuring participating movies. – Film-related forums, workshops, and seminars. – Special screenings of classic and independent films. |
| Other famous tourist attractions | – Intramuros: A historical walled city that showcases Spanish colonial architecture. – Rizal Park: A national park dedicated to the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. – National Museum of the Philippines: A museum that houses various art and historical artifacts. – Binondo: The oldest Chinatown in the world. – Manila Ocean Park: An oceanarium and marine-themed park. |
| Famous food dishes | – Adobo: A popular Filipino dish made with meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. – Halo-halo: A refreshing dessert made with crushed ice, sweetened fruits, beans, jellies, and topped with evaporated milk and leche flan. – Sinigang: A sour soup made with tamarind or other souring agents and various vegetables and meat or seafood. |
| Landmarks | – Manila Cathedral: The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. – San Agustin Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. – Fort Santiago: A citadel built during the Spanish colonial period. – National Museum of Fine Arts: Houses a collection of Philippine art from different periods. – Manila Baywalk: A waterfront promenade along Manila Bay. |
| Related festivals | – Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP): Another film festival in the Philippines that aims to promote local films. – Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival: Showcases independent films made by Filipino filmmakers. – Quezon City International Film Festival (QCinema): Held in Quezon City, it features local and international films. |
Note: Please be aware that some information may change over time, so it’s always best to verify with updated sources.
Festival Origins and Purpose
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual event organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority, focusing on Filipino-produced films. It was founded in 1975 and initially only held in Metro Manila but expanded to a nationwide scope in 2002. The festival runs from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day and into the first weekend of January. The festival’s history dates back to the “Manila Film Festival” initiated by Mayor Antonio Villegas in 1966 to showcase locally produced films in first-run theaters that typically screened American films. In 1975, during the Marcos Presidency, the festival was expanded to include all cities and towns in the newly formed Metro Manila and was renamed the “Metro Manila Film Festival.”
The festival has seen notable incidents over the years, including controversies and surprises during the awarding ceremonies. The festival has various categories for awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and others. It also features special awards such as the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards and the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence.
The MMFF has changed over the years, including criteria adjustments for film selection and the inclusion of independent “indie” films, which were later renamed “New Wave” films. The festival also showcases a parade of floats representing movie entries and their stars, a tradition that has evolved.
The festival has also seen high-grossing entries, with films like “Fantastica,” “Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad,” and “Miracle in Cell No. 7” achieving significant box office success.
The MMFF has played a significant role in promoting Filipino cinema and has been a platform for recognizing excellence in cinematic achievements.
Events In The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) runs from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day and into the first weekend of January, focusing on Filipino-produced films.
The festival excludes foreign films except in 3D theaters and IMAX theaters. The festival features a parade of floats representing movie entries with their respective stars.
Notable incidents include controversies surrounding award winners and film disqualifications. The festival also includes various awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and others. The highest-grossing entries have achieved significant box-office success.
The festival’s scope includes cinemas within and outside Metro Manila, with an allocation system for entry films. The festival has a long history of recognizing excellence in cinematic achievements and continues to be a significant event in the Philippine film industry.
Notable Incidents of The
| Year | Incident |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Director Lino Brocka walked out of the awarding ceremonies when Celso Ad. Castillo’s Burlesk Queen won eight of the ten awards, including the Best Picture award. |
| 1978 | The board of jurors decided not to award honors for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. Instead, Nora Aunor received the Best Performer award for her role in Atsay. |
| 1983 | Coney Reyes won the Best Actress award for Bago Kumalat ang Dugo, and Anthony Alonzo won the Best Actor award for the same movie, beating acting greats Charito Solis, Phillip Salvador, and Vic Silayan. |
| 1986 | The 12th Metro Manila Film Festival did not give out the traditional first and second Best Picture awards, as well as the other two categories: Best Story and Best Screenplay. |
| 1988 | Baldo Marro, a stuntman and character actor-turned-filmmaker, won the Best Actor award for Patrolman. He was not known before this and bested prizewinning director Chito Roño in the division. |
| 1993 | The list of winners was supposedly leaked during the Gabi ng Parangal of the 1993 Metro Manila Film Festival. |
| 1994 | The six major awards were not given during the 20th Metro Manila Film Festival held in PICC, as Alejandro Roces, chairman of the Board of Jurors, announced that “none of the entries was deserving.” |
| 2001 | Cesar Montano expressed his disappointment that his film, Bagong Buwan, did not receive the Best Picture award. He also criticized the decision to give the Best Visual Effects award to Spirit Warriors if they only used “mono,” beating their use of the more advanced “Dolby Digital system.” |
| 2002 | The cast of the film Dekada ’70 walked out of the award ceremonies after Lualhati Bautista failed to win the Best Story and Best Screenplay awards. |
| 2005 | Director Joel Lamangan walked out after he lost to Jose Javier Reyes for the Best Director award. |
| 2006 | Regal Films’s matriarch Lily Monteverde voiced out her disappointment as she lamented that some winners in the festival were “undeserving.” |
| 2007 | The festival gained attention after its EXECOM announced the top 8 entries for the 2016 edition, which did not include Vice Ganda & Coco Martin’s The Super Parental Guardians, Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote 10, and the Avengers, Regal Entertainment’s Mano Po 7: Tsinoy, and Vhong Navarro’s Mang Kepweng Returns. |
| 2011 | Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz declined to accept the award for Best Director for the movie Manila Kingpin: The Asyong Salonga Story after he claimed that the movie “was edited without his consent beyond his recognition.” |
| 2014 | The festival gained attention after its EXECOM announced the top 8 entries for the 2016 edition, which did not include Vice Ganda & Coco Martin’s The Super Parental Guardians, Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote 10, and the Abangers, Regal Entertainment’s Mano Po 7: Tsinoy, and Vhong Navarro’s Mang Kepweng Returns. |
| 2015 | Erik Matti’s Honor Thy Father was disqualified for the Best Picture award after being screened at the Cinema One Originals. |
| 2016 | The awards night ended less than an hour after festival organizers decided to just announce the winners without even mentioning the nominees for each category. |
| 2020 | The awards night was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was largely recorded in the Project Space studio in Makati. |
Main Categories Of Awards/Merits in Manila Film Festival
| Merit Categories | Description |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | Awarded since 1975 to the best film. |
| Best Director | Awarded since 1975 to the best director. |
| Best Actor | Awarded since 1975 to the best actor. |
| Best Actress | Awarded since 1975 to the best actress. |
| Best Supporting Actor | Awarded since 1975 to the best supporting actor. |
| Best Supporting Actress | Awarded since 1975 to the best supporting actress. |
| Best Child Performer | Awarded since 1980, except in 2016 and 2021. |
| Best Screenplay | Awarded from 1975 to 2016 for the best original story. |
| Best Original Story | Awarded since 1975 for the best cinematography. |
| Best Cinematography | Awarded since 1975 for the best editing. |
| Best Production Design | Awarded since 1986 for the best production design. |
| Best Editing | Awarded since 1975 to the best editing. |
| Best Visual Effects | Awarded from 1990 to 2015 for the best visual effects. |
| Best Make-up Artist | Awarded from 1990 to 2015 for the best make-up artist. |
| Best Original Theme Song | Awarded since 1989 for the best original theme song. |
| Best Musical Score | Awarded since 1975 for the best musical score. |
| Best Sound Engineering | Awarded since 1975 for the best sound engineering. |
| Best Float | Awarded since 1992 for the best float. |
| Most Gender-Sensitive Film | Awarded from 2003 to 2013, and from 2019 onwards. |
| Special Awards | |
| Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards | Annually awarded since 1990. |
| Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence | Annually awarded since 2012. |
| Special Jury Prize | Annually awarded since 2016. |
| Other Awards | |
| People’s Choice Awards | Awarded for people’s choice. |
| Children’s Choice Awards | Awarded for children’s choice. |
| Star of the Night Awards | Awarded to the star of the night. |
| Short Film Categories | |
| Best Short Film | Awarded since 2016. |
| Special Jury Prize | Awarded since 2016. |
| Best Director | Awarded since 2016. |
| Best Screenplay | Awarded since 2016. |
| Defunct New Wave Categories | |
| Best Full-Length Film | Awarded from 2010 to 2015. |
| Best Actress | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
| Best Actor | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
| Best Director | Awarded from 2012 to 2015. |
| Gender Sensitivity Award | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
| Special Jury Prize | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
| Best Student Film | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
| New Wave Animation Best Picture | Awarded from 2011 to 2015. |
Most Wins By Movies In Manila Film Festival
| Film | Record Set Year | Production Company(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| José Rizal | 17 | 1998 | GMA Films |
| 10000 Hours | 14 | 2013 | Philippine Film Studios, N2 Productions, Viva Films |
| Magic Temple | 1996 | Star Cinema | |
| Muro-Ami | 13 | 1999 | GMA Films |
| Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story | 12 | 2011 | Viva Films, Scenema Concept International |
| Mano Po | 2002 | Regal Films | |
| Mindanao | 11 | 2019 | Center Stage Productions |
| Rainbow’s Sunset | 2018 | Heaven’s Best Entertainment | |
| Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure | 2001 | MAQ Productions | |
| Muling Umawit ang Puso | 1995 | Viva Films | |
| Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? | 1990 | MRN Film International | |
| Imortal | 1989 | Viva Films | |
| Baler | 10 | 2008 | Viva Films |
| Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo | 2006 | Star Cinema | |
| Nasaan ang Puso? | 1997 | MAQ Productions | |
| Halimaw sa Banga | 1986 | NCV Productions |
Top 15 Highest-grossing entries In Manila Film Festival
| Rank | Year | Title | Production Company | Box office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018 | Fantastica | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱596 million |
| 2 | 2017 | Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱571 million |
| 3 | 2019 | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Viva Films | ₱543 million |
| 4 | 2015 | Beauty and the Bestie | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱529 million |
| 5 | 2014 | The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱455 million |
| 6 | 2013 | Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱421 million |
| 7 | 2012 | Sisterakas | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱393.4 million |
| 8 | 2015 | My Bebe Love: KiligPaMore | GMA Pictures, OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions | ₱385 million |
| 9 | 2018 | Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles | M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, CCM Film Productions | ₱383 million |
| 10 | 2017 | Ang Panday | Star Cinema, Viva Films, CCM Film Productions | ₱379 million |
| 11 | 2013 | My Little Bossings | OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment | ₱375.9 million |
| 12 | 2019 | The Mall, The Merrier | Star Cinema, Viva Films | ₱323 million |
| 13 | 2011 | Enteng Ng Ina Mo | Star Cinema, OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment | ₱272 million |
| 14 | 2014 | Feng Shui 2 | Star Cinema, K Productions | ₱235 million |
| 15 | 2008 | Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat | Star Cinema | ₱229.9 million |
The New Wave Category
The Metro Manila Film Festival’s New Wave category was your window to the innovative world of independent Filipino cinema, a segment that highlighted fresh narratives and emerging talents from 2011 until its discontinuation in 2016. This initiative marked a significant chapter in the evolution of independent cinema in the Philippines, fostering a platform where offbeat stories and visionary directors could shine amidst the mainstream fare.
Its introduction had a profound impact on local filmmakers, offering them a chance to showcase their work on a prestigious stage. The New Wave category not only recognized their unique contributions but also propelled the careers of many. Although no longer part of the festival, its legacy continues to influence the vibrant landscape of Filipino cinema today.
Gender-Sensitive Film Recognition
While the New Wave category showcased the diversity of Filipino storytelling, you’ll also find that the Metro Manila Film Festival honors films that thoughtfully address gender issues through its Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award. This accolade highlights the importance of gender representation in cinema, recognizing filmmakers who promote gender equality and empower underrepresented voices.
By spotlighting the impact of gender-sensitive films, the festival encourages the industry to present more nuanced and equitable narratives.
The award serves as a beacon for progressive storytelling, inspiring directors and writers to craft stories that reflect real-world diversity. Understanding the power of media, the festival leverages this award to foster a more inclusive film culture, where every gender perspective is valued and celebrated.
Signature Parade of Stars
Transitioning from award recognitions, you’ll encounter the Metro Manila Film Festival’s ‘Parade of Stars,’ a vibrant procession that showcases the actors and their film entries on flamboyant floats. As you immerse yourself in this festive highlight, you’ll witness:
- Celebrity participation brings the silver screen to life, as beloved stars wave and interact with adoring fans.
- Creative float designs that embody the spirit and themes of the featured films, turning the parade into a moving tapestry of Filipino cinematic artistry.
- A sense of communal pride and excitement electrifies the air, as onlookers cheer for their favorite film personalities and cinematic works.
This parade isn’t just about celebration; it’s an educational glimpse into the heart of Filipino film culture, where you learn about the industry’s latest offerings through an explosion of color and creativity.
Celebrated Awards Night
You’ll find the culmination of the Metro Manila Film Festival in its celebrated Awards Night, where a multitude of accolades are bestowed upon the year’s most outstanding cinematic creations. T
his is the moment when the celebrity red carpet buzzes with anticipation, as stars and filmmakers gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema. It’s an educational showcase, recognizing the craft and dedication that go into film production.
As you delve into the details, you’ll find that this night isn’t just about glitz and glamour, but a structured celebration of artistic excellence. Each award is a testament to the creativity and hard work of the nominees and winners alike. The Awards Night serves as a beacon for aspiring artists, highlighting the pinnacle of success in the local film industry.
Festival’s Annual Impact
Through your participation in the Metro Manila Film Festival, you’re contributing to a significant cultural and economic boost for the Philippine film industry annually. The festival not only showcases local talent but also stimulates the economy through increased movie ticket sales and related consumer spending.
- Inspiring Local Talent: Your presence supports and motivates filmmakers, actors, and crew members.
- Fostering National Pride: The celebration of Filipino stories strengthens cultural significance and identity.
- Boosting Tourism: Visitors flock to experience the festival, benefiting local businesses and communities.
Global Audience Appeal
As you explore the Metro Manila Film Festival further, you’re tapping into a cultural phenomenon that increasingly resonates with global audiences. The festival’s focus on showcasing Filipino talent and storytelling is a significant driver of the country’s film industry growth.
Through this event, international viewers get a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich culture and narratives, fostering a cultural exchange that extends far beyond its shores.
Here’s a snapshot of the festival’s global appeal:
| Aspect | Impact on Global Audience | Relation to Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Themes | Enhances global understanding | Showcases Filipino life |
| International Screenings | Broadens audience reach | Expands film industry growth |
| Subtitles & Translations | Makes films accessible | Encourages cultural exchange |
| Filmmaker Participation | Invites international collaboration | Promotes artistic dialogue |
| Online Platforms | Increases accessibility | Drives global engagement |
Metro Manila Film Festival 2023-2024
2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMF 2023)
The 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the 49th edition of the annual Philippine film festival. It is scheduled to take place from December 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This year, a total of ten feature films have been selected for the festival.
Film Entries of Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 (MMF 2023)
First Batch
- Family of Two
- Starring: Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards
- Production company: Cineko Productions Inc., Myriad Entertainment
- Director: Nuel Naval
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Kampon
- Starring: Beauty Gonzalez, Derek Ramsay
- Production company: Quantum Films, Brightlight Productions, OctoArts Films
- Director: King Palisoc
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Penduko
- Starring: Matteo Guidicelli, Cristine Reyes
- Production company: Sari Sari Network Films, Viva Films, Studio Viva
- Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
- Genre: Superhero
- Rewind
- Starring: Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes
- Production company: ABS-CBN Film Productions, AgostoDos Pictures and APT Entertainment
- Director: Mae Cruz-Alviar
- Genre: Romance, Drama
Second Batch
- Becky & Badette
- Starring: Eugene Domingo, Pokwang
- Production company: The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films
- Director: Jun Robles Lana
- Genre: Comedy
- Broken Hearts Trip
- Starring: Christian Bables, Jaclyn Jose
- Production company: BMC Films
- Director: Lemuel C. Lorca
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Firefly
- Starring: Alessandra de Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell
- Production company: GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs
- Director: Zig Dulay
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama
- GomBurZa
- Starring: Dante Rivero, Cedric Juan, Enchong Dee, Piolo Pascual
- Production company: Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures, CMB Film Services
- Director: Pepe Diokno
- Genre: Historical, Biopic
- Mallari
- Starring: Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador
- Production company: Mentorque Productions
- Director: Derick Cabrido
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- When I Met You In Tokyo
- Starring: Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon
- Production company: JG Productions Incorporated
- Director: Rado Peru
- Genre: Romance, Drama
Parade of Stars
The Parade of Stars for the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival took place on December 16, 2023. This annual parade passed through four key cities in the CAMANAVA area for the first time in the history of the festival.
Awards Night (Gabi ng Parangal)
Gabi ng Parangal is the Awards Night of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in the Philippines. It is a significant event where prestigious film prizes are awarded to recognize outstanding achievements in the local film industry. Awards are given in various categories, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, and more.
Special recognition is also given through awards such as the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Awards, Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, Special Jury Prize, People’s Choice Awards, Star of the Night Awards, and Children’s Choice Awards. These accolades highlight exceptional contributions and performances in the film industry.
Gabi ng Parangal is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the achievements of Filipino filmmakers and honors their outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema.
The Awards Night for the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival will be held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on December 27, 2023.
Other Events
On December 14, 2023, the 152-seater MMFF Auditorium located at the MMDA Building in Pasig was inaugurated.
This year’s festival has witnessed a significant increase in the number of submitted films and entries selected for the event, signifying the continued growth and relevance of the MMFF in the Philippine film industry.
Metro Manila Film Festival 2023: MMFF 2023 Top Grosser Latest Update Philippines
The top-grossing film of the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 2023 is “Rewind,” starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
Firefly was nominated as the best picture of MMFF2023.
MMFF 2023’s Top 5 Box-Office Hits: Who’s Leading the Pack?
As the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) continues to dazzle the holiday season, the box-office rankings have been nothing short of exciting. With a surge in ticket sales since opening day on December 25, 2023, we now have a clear picture of the top contenders that have captivated audiences across the nation.
Leading the charge is “Rewind,” a film starring the dynamic duo, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, who have not only showcased their talents on screen but also made heartfelt appearances in cinemas, further fueling their film’s success. Their efforts seem to be paying off, as “Rewind” holds a firm grip on the number one spot, potentially setting up the couple to be crowned as 2023’s Box-Office King & Queen.
Not far behind is the second-place stalwart “Mallari,” with Piolo Pascual at the helm, proving that the horror-thriller genre remains a strong draw for Filipino moviegoers. The film’s unwavering position at number two indicates a solid fan base and possibly Piolo’s enduring charm.
Historical drama “Gomburza” has claimed its spot in the top five, buoyed by accolades including the 2nd Best Picture award, which has resonated with viewers, resulting in an impressive spike in revenue following the awards night.
“Firefly,” honored as the Best Picture of MMFF 2023, has also seen a significant boost in attendance post-awards, affirming the impact of critical acclaim on audience turnout.
The fifth spot belongs to “A Family of Two” featuring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards, which has found its place among the leading films, captivating fans with its unique storytelling.
As we move forward, it’s a waiting game to see if any shifts will occur within this ranking. For now, these top five films have set the bar high, delivering a mix of gripping tales and stellar performances that have drawn moviegoers in droves, validating the enduring allure of the MMFF as a centerpiece of Philippine entertainment during the holiday season.
Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 winners
- Best Picture: “Firefly”
- 2nd Best Picture: “Gomburza”
- 3rd Best Picture: “Mallari”
- 4th Best Picture: “When I Met You In Tokyo”
- Best Actor: Cedrick Juan for “Gomburza”
- Best Actress: Vilma Santos for “When I Met You In Tokyo”
- Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos for “Mallari”
- Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo for “Family Of Two”
- Best Director: Pepe Diokno for “Gomburza”
- Best Screenplay: Angeli Atienza for “Firefly”
- Best Child Performer: Euwann Mikaell of “Firefly”
- Best Cinematography: Carlo Canlas Mendoza for “Gomburza”
- Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino for “(K)ampon”
- Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro for “Gomburza”
- Best Original Theme Song: “Finggah Lickin” from “Becky and Badette”
- Best Visual Effects: Gaspar Mangarin for “Mallari”
- Best Musical Score: Von de Guzman for “Mallari”
- Best Sound: Melvin Q. Rivera and Louie Boy Bauson for “Gomburza”
- Gender Sensitivity Award: “Becky and Badette”
- FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence: “When I Met You In Tokyo”
- Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: “Gomburza”
- Marichu Vera Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Mother Lily Yu Monteverde
- Best Float: “When I Met You In Tokyo”
References
| Reference | Link |
|---|---|
| Ayie Licsi. Trading floats for boats: MMFF 2021 kicks off… | The Philippine Star |
| Sheryl Rose M. Andes. A Peek at the Winners of the Most… | Dalumat Ejournal |
| Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada. Senate Bill No. 2346. Fifteenth… | Congress of the Philippines |
| Marielle Medina. Did You Know. Philippine Daily Inquirer… | Philippine Daily Inquirer |
| Full Feature Film. Metro Manila Development Authority… | Metro Manila Development Authority |
| Bobby T. Yalong. The Metro Manila Film Festival in a… | The Asian Journal |
| Zsarlene B. Chua. 2 romances, a horror flick, and a family… | Business World |
| Mark Angelo Ching, Jojo Gabinete. Former President Joseph… | PEP.PH |
| Shinji Manlangit. How do you solve a problem like the MMFF?… | CNN Philippines |
| Julian Bato. A Critique of the Metro Manila Film Festival… | Philippine Collegian |
Summary Of Metro Manila Film Festival
| Category | Information | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Metro Manila Film Festival | MMFF |
| Celebration | Arts, Film | |
| Country | Philippines | |
| Date | December 25 | |
| Duration | 2 weeks | |
| Established | 1975 | |
| Founder | Antonio J. Villegas | |
| Previous Name | Manila Film Festival | |
| Organizer | Metro Manila Development Authority | |
| Historical Facts | Manila Film Festival organized by Mayor Antonio Villegas -Metro Manila Film Festival launched in 1975 -Metro Manila Film Festival became an annual Filipino film competition -The new Wave category introduced in 2010 -The new Wave category introduced in 2010 -Most Gender-Sensitive Film Awards introduced in 2003 | |
| Festival Activities | – Parade of Stars – Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) – Screening of New Wave films and Short Films | |
| MMF Official Instagram | Official Instagram channel of Metro Manila Film Festival | Link |
| MMF Official Facebook | Official Facebook Page of Metro Manila Film Festival | Link |
| MMF Official Twitter | Official Twitter (X) handle of Metro Manila Film Festival | Link |
