The curtains have closed on the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), leaving behind a trail of glitter, applause, and some truly memorable cinematic experiences. This year's edition, running from December 25, 2023, brought us ten diverse films that offered something for everyone, from heartwarming romances to chilling thrillers.
Let's take a closer look at the ten cinematic heroes of MMFF 2023:
"Rewind" • Star Cinema, AgostoDos Pictures & APT Entertainment
This romantic comedy explores second chances and rediscovering love through time travel, starring the iconic duo Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
| Rewind movie poster |
"Penduko" • Sari Sari Network Films, Viva Films & Studio Viva
Matteo Guidicelli takes on the mantle of the legendary Filipino superhero in this action-packed adventure.
| Pedro Penduko movie poster |
"(K)Ampon" • Quantum Films, Brightlight Productions & OctoArts Films
A chilling horror film about a couple's unsettling encounter with an orphaned child, starring Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ramsay.
| (K)Ampon movie poster |
"Mallari" • Mentorque Productions
This historical drama recounts the life of Gregorio Mallari, a Filipino World War II hero, with Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador in the lead role.
| Mallari movie poster |
"Family of Two" • Cineko Productions Inc., Myriad Entertainment
This heartwarming family drama tackles the complexities of single parenthood, featuring Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson.
| A Family of Two movie poster |
"Firefly" • GMA Pictures & GMA Public Affairs
Set in 1999,[ Firefly is told from the perspective of an adult Tonton (Dingdong Dantes) who reminisces about his childhood.
A ten-year old Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell) goes on a search for the "Island of Fireflies", a mystical island he learned from Elay his mother (Alessandra De Rossi) during bedtime stories.
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| Firefly movie poster |
"When I Met You in Tokyo" • JG Productions Incorporated
Vilma Santos and Christopher de Laon star in this romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Tokyo.
| When I Met You in Tokyo movie poster |
"Gomburza" • Jesuit Communications, MQuest Ventures, CMB Film Services
This historical biopic tells the story of the three Filipino priests who were executed for rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.
| Gomburza movie poster |
"Becky & Badette" • The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films
A hilarious comedy about two unlikely best friends embarking on a road trip, featuring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang.
| Becky & Badette movie poster |
"Broken Hearts Trip" • BMC Films
This romantic anthology film follows the stories of five couples navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
| Broken Hearts Trip movie poster |
And the winners are…
The awards night on December 27th saw several films bagging accolades, recognizing their excellence in various categories. "Firefly" emerged as the Best Picture garnering 4 awards in total. "Gomburza" got 2nd Best Picture among its 8 awards with "Mallari" and "When I Met You In Tokyo" getting 3rd and 4th Best Picture respectively.
Here is the full list of winners:
- Best Float: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikaell, Firefly
- Best Sound: Melvin Q. Rivera and Louie Boy Bauson, GomBurZa
- Best Score: Von de Guzman, Mallari
- Best Original Theme Song: “Finggah Lickin,” Becky & Badette
- Best Visual Effects: Gaspar Mangarin, Mallari
- Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro, GomBurZa
- Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino, K(Ampon)
- Best Cinematography: Carlo Canlas Mendoza, GomBurZa
- Gender Sensitivity: Becky & Badette
- Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Lily Monteverde
- Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: GomBurZa
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Screenplay: Angeli Atienza, Firefly
- Best Director: Pepe Diokno, GomBurZa
- Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo, Family of Two
- Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos, Mallari
- Best Actor: Cedrick Juan, GomBurZa
- Best Actress: Vilma Santos, When I Met You in Tokyo
- 4th Best Picture: When I Met You in Tokyo
- 3rd Best Picture: Mallari
- 2nd Best Picture: GomBurZa
- Best Picture: Firefly
Did you know? Some MMFF trivia and statistics:
- This year marked the first time MMFF featured ten entries instead of the usual eight.
- Despite competition from streaming platforms, box office sales for MMFF 2023 were positive, indicating a strong return of moviegoers to cinemas.
- The Parade of Stars, a highlight of the festival, was held in four cities for the first time, spreading the celebration to a wider audience.
- Social media buzz for MMFF 2023 was high, with many films sparking online discussions and trending topics.
Final thoughts:
MMFF 2023 was a vibrant and diverse celebration of Filipino cinema. It showcased the talent, creativity, and storytelling prowess of local filmmakers and actors. As the curtains close on this edition, we eagerly await what treasures the next MMFF will bring to the silver screen.
What was your favorite film from MMFF 2023? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Let's keep the conversation going!
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