MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal: Everything you need to know, expect

MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal: Everything to know, expect

MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal | Image: Facebook/MMFF

Now in its 50th year, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 is set to hold its annual Gabi ng Parangal (Night of Honors) on Friday night, Dec. 27 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque. 

Like the Parade of Stars, the Gabi ng Parangal is one of the highlights of the MMFF, where outstanding films, performances, and technical contributions are honored. Awards such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and technical categories like Best Cinematography and Best Production Design are expected to be again handed out.

As in the previous years, the awarding ceremony will be livestreamed at the official Facebook page of MMFF. This year’s edition is set to feature exciting performances from Rachelle Ann Go and Apl de Ap, among others.

The MMFF, which runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2025, sees 10 official entries, from dramas to horrors, each vying for top honors.

Here are the 10 film entries to this year’s festival:

“Uninvited”

Directed by Dan Villegas, “Uninvited” stars Vilma Santos as Lilia, a mother seeking vengeance for her daughter’s murder (Gabby Padilla). The film also features Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, Mylene Dizon, and Elijah Canlas, among others.

“And The Breadwinner Is…”

A comedy led by Vice Ganda that focuses on a person who earns money to support a family, carrying the weight of their loved ones’ dreams on their shoulders. Directed by Jun Lana, the film also stars Eugene Domingo, Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario, Maris Racal, and Anthony Jennings, among others.

“Espantaho”

A horror film featuring Judy Ann Santos as Monet and her mother Rosa (Lorna Tolentino), who are mourning the death of the family patriarch. During the nine days of pasiyam, horrors and dark secrets start to unravel. Directed by Chito S. Roño, the film also features Chanda Romero, Mon Confiado, and JC Santos, among others.

“The Kingdom”

Marking Vic Sotto’s anticipated return to the MMFF, the drama fantasy is set in an alternate version of the Philippines, the Kingdom of Kalayaan, an imagined version if the country was never colonized.

King Lakan Makisig (Sotto) faces a succession crisis when his favored daughter is kidnapped, leading to a quest filled with drama and adventure. Directed by Michael Tuviera, the film also stars Piolo Pascual, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, and Ruby Ruiz, among others.

“Green Bones” 

Following the story of a soon-to-be released criminal Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo) and a prison officer, Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), who grapple between justice, personal vendetta, and moral boundaries. 

The film is directed by Zig Dulay from a screenplay written by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, based on a story concept by JC Rubio. Other cast members include Iza Calzado, Alessandra De Rossi, and Michael de Mesa, among others.

“Isang Himala”

Directed by Pepe Diokno, “Isang Himala” is a cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed 2018 stage play, which was inspired by the 1982 classic film “Himala.” 

The story centers on Elsa (Aicelle Santos), a young woman who claims to have witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary during an eclipse. Her proclamation leads to a series of events that challenge the faith and beliefs of the local community.

“Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital”

Led by Enrique Gil, Jane De Leon, and Alexa Miro, this found-footage horror film follows a team of adventurous celebrities filming in Taiwan’s infamous Xinglin Hospital, reputed to be one of Southeast Asia’s most haunted locations. 

As they document their exploration, they encounter paranormal phenomena, leading to a horrifying and chaotic experience. The film also features MJ Lastimosa, Rob Gomez, Raf Pineda, and Zarckaroo.

“My Future You”

Featuring the love team of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin in their first ever film, the story revolves around two strangers from different timelines meeting each other in a dating app.

Directed by Crisanto B. Aquino, the film also stars Almira Muhlach, Christian Vasquez, Peewee O’Hara, Bodjie Pascua, Mosang, and Izzy Canillo.

“Topakk”

Featuring a stellar ensemble including Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Kokoy de Santos, and Sid Lucero, “Topakk” centers on Miguel (Atayde), a former platoon leader suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Miguel becomes entangled in a perilous mission to save a woman pursued by a corrupt syndicate, leading him back into a world of violence and moral dilemmas.

“Hold Me Close”

Led by Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino, this romantic drama follows two individuals whose lives become intertwined as they struggle to deal with the complexities of love and commitment.

Audience’s award predictions

Given that the nominees are only announced once the awarding ceremony takes place, moviegoers who have already seen all the film entries took to social media to share their predictions and lead contenders.

Based on online buzz, the stars that are expected to compete for the Best Actress trophy are Vilma Santos, Judy Ann Santos, Aicelle Santos, and Julia Montes.

Meanwhile, for Best Actor, Dennis Trillo, Vice Ganda, Arjo Atayde, Aga Muhlach, and Vic Sotto are said to be the frontrunners.

Chanda Romero, Kakki Teodoro, Eugene Domingo, Nadine Lustre, and Lorna Tolentino are the early predictions for Best Supporting Actress, while Jhong Hilario, Ruru Madrid, and Piolo Pascual are the lead contenders for Best Supporting Actor.

“Green Bones,” “Uninvited,” and “Isang Himala” are among the top contenders for Best Picture.

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