The Metro Manila Film Festival is set to return and has recently announced the first four entries for its 2022 edition.
On 8 July, the festival released a statement on its official social media account, which read, “The biggest, most popular and the widely supported and anticipated Metro Manila Film Festival, now on its 48th year is alive and upbeat as it promotes the message “BALIK SAYA” while foregrounding our kababayans enjoying the Filipino cinematic experience again during the Christmas Season.”
“The esteemed members of the Selection Committee headed by the multi-awarded and much respected leaders of the film industry Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo and Jesse Ejercito as chair and vice chair respectively, chose the Top 4 scripts based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%, Commercial Appeal – 40%, Filipino Cultural Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.”
The four entries that have been accepted based on script submissions are:
1. LABYU WITH AN ACCENT
Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, the film will be directed by Rodel Nacianceno, with script by Patrick Valencia. The film stars Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria
2. NANAHIMIK ANG GABI
A Rein Entertainment production, the Shugo Praico film was previously announced by Heaven Peralejo on her Instagram account, and co-stars Ian Veneracion and Mon Confiado
3. PARTNERS IN CRIME
Another ABS-CBN production, the film will be helmed by Cathy Garcia-Molina with a script by Enrico C. Santos. The movie stars MMFF frequent collaborator Vice Ganda with the addition of Ivana Alawi
4. THE TEACHER
Following “Mary, Marry Me”, Paul Soriano is back directing another MMFF film starring wife Toni Gonzaga, as well as Joey de Leon with a script from Emma Villa.
The four other official MMFF entries will be announced later on.
(Photo Source: Metro Manila Film Festival FB, Heaven Peralejo Instagram, IMDB)