The pandemic has hit many industries, most especially cinemas due to the imposed restrictions to prevent the widespread of the COVID-19. But now that many areas ease to Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 3, including the Metro Manila, selected cinemas have reopened on November 10 after halting operations for 20 months.
On November 12, MMDA and MMFF Chair Benhur Abalos, Jr. held a press conference at Novotel Manila, stating that Metro Manila Film Festival will be back in physical theaters from December 25, 2021, to January 8, 2022. This year’s festival will premier varying genres in its 8 official entries out of 19 submissions, from romance to horror film.
Heads up moviegoers, for here is the list of MMFF 2021 official entries.
A Hard Day
Directed by Law Fajardo
Starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla
Produced by Viva Communications, Inc.
Genre: Action
Directed by Lawrence Fajardo, “A Hard Day” is an action film produced by Viva Communications, Inc. starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla. The film is an adaptation of the South Korean action thriller film “A Hard Day”, where Lee Sun-gyun played a homicide detective who accidentally killed a man and tried to hide his crime.
Big Night!
Directed by Jun Robles Lana
Starring Christian Bables and John Arcilla
Produced by Cignal Entertainment, The Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films
Genre: Comedy
Produced by Cignal Entertainment, The Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, the “Big Night!” is a dark comedy film directed by Jun Lana starring Christian Bables and John Arcilla. A “Big Night” will also cast veteran actors Eugene Domingo, Gina Pareño, Gina Alajar, and Ricky Davao.
Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw
Directed by Louie Ignacio
Starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan
Produced by Heaven’s Best Entertainment
Genre: Romantic Comedy
For rom-com fanatics, the Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw is a must-see film. Directed by Louie Ignacio, produced by Heaven’s Best Entertainment, the film is about a young man who is about to become a priest played by Ken Chan and unexpectedly fall in love with a singer-entertainer played by Rita Daniela.
Huwag Kang Lalabas
Directed by Adolf Alix, Jr.
Starring Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Beauty Gonzalez, and Aiko Melendez
Produced by Obra Cinema
Genre: Horror
Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr, and produced by Obra Cinema, “Huway Kang Lalabas” is a trilogy horror film starring Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Matet de Leon, Beauty Gonzalez, and Elizabeth Oropesa. It is one of the unique entries this year featuring spooky tales and goose bumping scenes.
Kun Maupay Man it Panahon
Directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad
Starring Charos Santos-Concio, Daniel Padilla, and Rans Rifol
Produced by Cinematografica, Plan C, House on Fire, iWant TFC, Globe Studios, Black Sheep, Quantum Films, Inc., AAAND Company, Kawankawan Media, Weydemann Bros., CMB Films
Genre: Drama
Another must see this 47th MMFF, the “Kun Maupay Man it Panahon” is an internationally recognized drama film about the typhoon Yolanda, starring Daniel Padilla, Charo Santos-Concio, and Rans Riffle. The film was given a special award at the Locarno Film Festival and Carlo Francisco Manatad as the best director at the London East Asia Film Festival.
Love at First Stream
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina
Starring Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, and Anthony Jennings
Produced by Star Cinema and Kumu
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director Cathy Garcia-Molina is set to make the theaters exciting again with the romantic comedy film “Love at First Stream”. Produced by Star Cinema and Kumu, the film is about the digital life of the new generation starring Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Anthony Jennings, and Daniela Stranner.
Nelia
Directed by Lester Dimaranan
Starring Winwyn Marquez and Raymond Bagatsing
Produced by A and Q Production Films, Inc.
Genre: Suspense Drama
A suspense drama film, “Nelia” is directed by Lester Dimaranan starring former beauty queen Winwyn Marquez playing a nurse and Raymond Bagatsing as a doctor. Produced by A and Q Production Films, Inc., “Nelia” is about a nurse seeking the truth from the mysterious happenings in the hospital she is working.
The Exorsis
Directed by Fifth Solomon
Starring Toni Gonzaga and Alex Gonzaga
Produced by TINCAN
Genre: Horror Comedy
Lastly, “The Exorsis” is a must-see for Gonzaga’s sister’s fans, Toni and Alex. Directed by Fifth Solomon and produced by TINCAN, Toni’s production company, “The Exorsis” is a horror comedy film that will surely give everyone a good laugh this holiday season.
References
- (2021), List of MMFF 2021 Official Entries, The Summit Express
- (2021), 2021 MMFF to be held in cinemas, official entries announced, Business World
- Mawili, (2021), LIST: 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival Official Entries, Advocates
Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more lifestyle-related news.
Read: Catch These New Thriller K-Dramas On Viu Best Viewed On A Samsung Smart TV