49th Metro Manila Film Festival lineup unveiled

It’s almost that time of the year again! The 49th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a few months away, and the ten entries vying for this year’s awards and box office cume have been revealed. The much-anticipated list of finalists was revealed last October 17, 2023, via the Facebook page of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). MMDA Chairman Romando S. Artes was on hand to unveil the Magic 10 via livestream.

Out of over 30 film submissions, here are the Magic 10 that made the cut:

When I Met You In Tokyo (JG Productions)

Starring : Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon

Directed by : Conrado Peru

Becky and Badette (The IdeaFirst company and Octoberian Films)

Starring : Eugene Domingo, Pokwang

Directed by : Jun Robles Lana

Mallari (Mentorque Productions)

Starring : Janella Salvador, Piolo Pascual

Directed by : Derick Cabrido

Firefly (GMA Pictures)

Starring : Alessandra de Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell

Directed by : Zig Dulay

Broken Heart’s Trip (Smart Films Productions, OPC in coop with BMC Films)

Starring : Christian Bables

Directed by : Lemuel C. Lorca

Gomburza (Jesuit Communications, Saranggola Productions)

Starring : Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, Dante Rivero

Directed by : Pepe Diokno

A Mother and Son’s Story (Cineko Productions Inc., APT Entertainment)

Starring : Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards

Directed by : Nuel Naval

(K)Ampon (Quantum Films, Brightlight Productions, OctoArts Films)

Starring : Derek Ramsay, Beauty Gonzales

Directed by : King Palisoc

Penduko (Sari Sari Network Films, Viva Films, Studio Viva)

Starring : Matteo Guidicelli, Cristine Reyes

Directed by : Jason Paul Laxamana

Rewind (Star Cinema, APT Ent., Agosto Dos Media)

Starring : Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera

Directed by : Mae Cruz Alviar

The ten contenders will be shown in over 800 cinemas nationwide. The festival will kick off on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, and will run until January 7, 2024.