MMFF spox: Unofficial box office rankings are ‘fake news’

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) spokesperson Noel Ferrer said unofficial box office rankings of this year’s entries are “fake news,” as its executive committee refrains from disclosing them since they can affect the films’ performance in cinemas.

Ferrer clarified this in a statement on Monday, Dec. 29, while sharing screenshots of box-office rankings circulating on social media. 

“TO SET THE RECORDS STRAIGHT: the MMFF Executive Committee refrains from disclosing official rankings and box office grosses, as per our agreement with the producers, in order to mitigate the bandwagon effect that may potentially impact the performance of our entries.” 

Ferrer urged the public to support all films as a display of support for Philippine cinema.

“Instead, we encourage the public to experience and support ALL THE FILMS showcased in this year’s MMFF, thereby demonstrating your unwavering love and appreciation for the Philippine film industry. Since we’re still in a long holiday, we eagerly await your presence in our cinemas,” he said.

This year’s entries are “I’m Perfect,” “UnMarry,” “Call Me Mother,” “Manila’s Finest,” “Love You So Bad,” “Shake, Rattle & Roll Evil Origins,” “Bar Boys: After School” and “Rekonek,” which will be screened in cinemas until sometime in January 2026.

‘Not perfect, but ambitious’ entries

Film producer Bryan Dy of Mentorque, who served as one of the festival’s jurors, said the entries of this year’s MMFF are “not perfect, but ambitious,” brought to life by actors, filmmakers, and a creative team refusing to give up on local cinema.

“What we witnessed were not perfect films, but ambitious ones. Films made with conviction. Films made by producers who continue to invest when it would be easier to pull back,” he said. 

Touching on his experience, Dy said seeing the eight entries is a reminder of the industry navigating its “ever-changing landscape.”

“This moment should also be a call to action. If we truly believe in the power of Filipino creativity, then we must move beyond words,” he said. 

“We need clear direction, sustained investment, and a long-term national plan for the creative industries, not only film, but television, animation, music, fashion, space design, digital content, and the many creative sectors that employ millions of Filipinos,” he continued.

With this in mind, Dy said creativity shapes one’s identity, livelihood and economic opportunity, in hopes of keeping the industry alive. “Creativity is not a luxury. It is culture, livelihood, identity, and economic opportunity. The ambition of our filmmakers proves that the talent is here.” 

“What we need now is a system that allows that talent to thrive while keeping cinema open, reachable, and meaningful to the very people it is meant to serve,” he continued. “To everyone who continues to tell stories, build worlds, and believe in Philippine cinema, keep going. Never give up. The future is still being written, and our stories matter.”

The Sigrid Bernardo-helmed “I’m Perfect” was chosen as this year’s Best Picture of the 2025 edition of the festival, while Vice Ganda and Krystel go bagged the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, respectively. /ra