‘Tis the season again to immerse yourselves in Filipino movies with these entries from the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
It’s that time of the year again. No, not the Christmas season just yet, but a whole new batch of films for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Filipino film fest is an annual celebration of local movies usually headlined by popular and blockbuster celebrities. This year, MMFF returns to the cinemas on its 48th edition with a diverse lineup of entries, urging the Filipino moviegoers to once again support the Pinoy festival and tradition through its slogan: Balik Saya Sa MMFF 2022.
The festival’s Magic 8 lineup this year is now complete following the announcement from the selection committee of the four finished films, which add to the initial batch of chosen titles announced last July. Headed by veteran actress and respected leader of the film industry, Boots Anson-Rodrigo, the committee members chose the top eight movies based on its commercial appeal, cultural values, global appeal, and artistic excellence. While most of the entries have yet to release a full trailer, here is what we know so far about the upcoming MMFF movies to help you plan for the holidays.
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DELETER
Directed by Mikhail Red and produced by VIVA Films, Deleter is a psychological horror movie topbilled by Nadine Lustre. She plays Lyra, an online content moderator who filters and deletes graphic and disturbing uploads on social media platforms. But the story takes a dark turn when the seemingly desensitized protagonist is haunted by her past and a mysterious vengeful presence. With the release of a teaser trailer last month, Deleter surely packs some terror for the Filipino families who are looking for some scary thrill this coming holidays. Plus, we’re very much ready for Nadine Lustre in a full-blown horror movie.
MAMASAPANO: NOW IT CAN BE TOLD
Starring Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, and Paolo Gumabao, this action-drama is based on the true story of the bloody police operation in 2015 known as the Oplan Exodus, which claimed the lives of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) police officers. Mamasapano is directed by Lester Dimaranan, who previously helmed the Winwyn Marquez-starring Nelia, and is produced by Borracho Film Production.
FAMILY MATTERS
So far, what we know about Family Matters is that it’s a family-drama movie produced by Cineko Productions, Inc. But knowing that it is directed by Nuel Naval, who previously helmed the Filipino adaptation of Miracle In Cell No. 7, and boasts a cast of veteran actors like Noel Trinidad, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, and Nonie Buencamino, Family Matters promises to be a tearjerker.
MY FATHER, MYSELF
Apart from the fact that Joel Lamangan’s latest offering stars the Viral Scandal stars Jake Cuenca and Dimples Romana, the cast has also revealed that the movie is going to be of the Boys’ Love (BL) genre. “Nasa bucket list ko this year na gumawa talaga ng BL,” says Jake in an interview, who also previously starred in Lamangan’s queer drama Lihis with Joem Bascon. “I think this is a perfect material kasi ang galing ng kuwento, ang ganda ng material tapos buo pa ang tiwala ko sa direktor.”
“Di ba minsan pag nagbabasa ka ng script puwede mong ibaba,” Dimples adds. “Pero ito ‘yung script na hindi mo mabitiwan. Sobrang ganda din nung twist nung story, super nice.” With these statements coming from the movie’s lead actors, we have all the reasons to be excited about it. My Father, Myself also stars Sean de Guzman and Alan Paule, and is produced by 3:16 Media Network.
NANAHIMIK ANG GABI
Described by its creators as a “suspense-thriller-romance” with “a lot of twists and turns,” Nanahimik ang Gabi follows the story of Me-ann (Heaven Peralejo), a 22-year-old sugar baby to a corrupt and abusive cop played by Ian Veneracion. Trouble comes as an intruder, played by veteran character actor Mon Confiado, disrupts the couple’s secret weekend getaway. The movie, which promises a lot of sensuality and action, is directed and written by Shugo Praico and is produced by Rein Entertainment Productions.
MY TEACHER
While the film’s premise has not been revealed yet, an interview with a cast member teases that it is going to be a “heartwarming, feel-good and funny film” that gives “tribute to our great teachers.” My Teacher is directed by Paul Soriano and produced under his production company TEN17P. Also included in the cast are Kakai Bautista, Ronnie Alonte, and Loisa Andalio.
LABYU WITH AN ACCENT
One of the two Star Cinema movies in this year’s MMFF lineup, Labyu With An Accent revolves around the romantic meeting of two people from entirely different backgrounds: Trisha (Jodi Sta. Maria) who spent years living and working abroad, and Gabo (Coco Martin) who’s struggling to make ends meet in the Philippines. It is directed by Coco Martin himself, and by the looks of its first trailer, promises a charming rom-com filled with kilig thanks to Coco and Jodi’s undeniable onscreen chemistry.
PARTNERS IN CRIME
Another Star Cinema entry. Partners In Crime finds an unlikely tandem in comedian-host Vice Ganda and vlogger-actress Ivana Alawi. Helmed by the talented and blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Molina, the comedy movie follows the story of an ex-couple who will meet each other again as they figure in a crime. The film’s teaser trailer offers us a glimpse into a story that seems to offer us a ton of heart and laughter.
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