Image: Facebook/Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Official
MANILA, Philippines— A record-high of 26 script entries from 32 production companies have been submitted for this year’s Holiday Metro Manila Film Festival, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Saturday, June 17.
Don Artes, concurrent acting chairman of the MMDA and MMFF, thanked the country’s filmmakers for their contributions to the festival in its 49th year.
“I am sure our selection committee will have a hard time choosing among the scripts. But I am also confident that the best among the best will be chosen,” he said in a statement.
According to the MMDA, the final films from which four official entries will be selected are due on Sept. 29.
The MMFF selection committee headed by producer Jesse Ejercito will choose the top four scripts based on these criteria: 40% each for artistic excellence and commercial appeal; and 10% each for Filipino cultural sensibility and global appeal.
Artes enjoined the Filipino public to support this year’s MMFF as the festival has become a key part of many families’ Christmas traditions for close to half a century.
“Let us all watch and support local films and enjoy it with our families and friends this holiday season,” the chairman said.
“May we continue to support Filipino films back where it must be enjoyed, in the theaters or movie houses,” he added. /ra