First 4 official entries to MMFF 2019 bared

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim (center) announces the first four entries of the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Joining him are new MMFF executive commitee members, Laguna 1st District Rep. Dan Fernandez (left) and Sen. Bong Go (right). Image: Katrina Hallare/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Expect Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto to be in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) again as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Wednesday it has approved the scripts of the first four movies that can compete in this year’s film fest.

Vice Ganda, alongside Anne Curtis, is set to star in “Momalland” produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. and Viva Films while Sotto will reunite with Maine Mendoza to star in “Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity” produced by  APT Entertainment, Inc. and M-Zet Productions. 

The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino, meanwhile, will make her cinema comeback with the horror film “(K) Ampon,” which will be released under Quantum Films. Derek Ramsey will be one of her co-stars in the movie.

Lastly, Nadine Lustre and Aga Muhlach will top bill the Filipino remake of the 2013 South Korean family drama film “Miracle in Cell No. 7.” 

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim and MMFF’s new executive committee members Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and Laguna 1st District Rep. Dan Fernandez led the announcement of the first four contenders. 

Out of 26 scripts from 22 production houses, the members of the Selection Committee headed by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera chose the four films based on the following criteria: 40 percent for Artistic Excellence; 40 percent for Commercial Appeal; 10 percent for Filipino Cultural Sensibility; and 10 percent for Global Appeal. 

“This year will be the 100th year of Philippine cinema kaya plano natin na marami tayong aktibidades para maging bongga ‘yung pagka-celebrate natin nito,” Lim told reporters. 

MMDA said the next four films joining the MMFF 2019 will be selected from among finished movies to be submitted to the committee by September 20.

MMFF’s 45th edition will open on Christmas Day, December 25. /kga