Filmmakers vie for 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival
As many as 33 films attempt to join the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), slated in April this year.
In a report by ABS-CBN News, it’s the first time the event introduced a summer edition. Although unprecedented, the move was warmly welcomed by several artists and enthusiasts, as seen in the totality of confirmed aspirants.
With 33 entries to date, the organizers said this is the highest number of submissions received since MMFF began. Of those applications, 23 were new movies, while the remaining ten were resubmissions from last year.
MMFF pioneers summer edition
Don Artes, MMFF head and Metro Manila Development Authority acting chair, responded to the successful ingress of the festival’s summer edition.
“With the record-breaking number of films submitted, our local movie industry is back in their game,” Artes said. He added that filmmakers are starting to produce “more quality films again” for people to enjoy the first-ever Summer MMFF.
The official continued, “The film industry are excited and looking forward to the success of the summer film fest. (It) is another avenue to showcase (our) local talent in making world-class Filipino films.”
Artes further described the moment as historic, noting that the success of MMFF reflects the entire Philippine film industry.
MMFF will announce the eight final qualifiers for its summer edition this February 24. Entries are subject to the following criteria: artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), cultural sensibility (10%), and global appeal (10%).
After the selection, the chosen films will be shown across cinemas nationwide from April 8-18. The parade of stars will take place on April 1 in Quezon City.
The awards night is scheduled April 11.
