MANILA, Philippines – The 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to make a big impact this year, with a diverse mix of genres from its record lineup of 10 films.

With a record-breaking 70 entries submitted this year, MMFF has selected 10 official entries, up from the usual eight. The 49th MMFF – the highest grossing edition in the film festival’s history – also had a total of 10 entries during its run in 2023.

The festival — which emphasizes the vital role of local films in showcasing Filipino creativity and culture — will run from December 25, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with screenings across 900 cinemas nationwide. Here’s what you can expect from the complete 2024 lineup!

Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. and The Ideafirst Company, And the Breadwinner Is…is a comedy film that stars Vice Ganda, Gina Pareño, Maris Racal, Jhong Hilario, and Kokoy de Santos — a film on navigating the twists and turns of family and fame.

The film was first announced in April, and is directed by Jun Robles Lana and written by Daisy Cayanan, Jumbo Albano, and Jun Robles Lana.

Produced by Reality MM Studios, Inc.,Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospitalis directed by Kerwin Go. The horror film — written by Dustin Celestino, Leovic Arceta, and Kerwin Go — stars Jane de Leon, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, and MJ Lastimosa. It is inspired by the 2018 South Korean film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. (WATCH: Why Enrique Gil chose to do found footage horror)

A powerful drama by Zig Dulay, Green Bones stars Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo. The film delves into family bonds and the struggles of love and sacrifice. It is produced by GMA Pictures and written by Ricky Lee and Anjeli Atienza. (READ: Seeking redemption with Zig Dulay’s latest MMFF drama ‘Green Bones’)

Starring Aicelle Santos, David Ezra, Victor Robinson, and Bituin Escalante, Himala, Isang Musikal,is produced by Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno and Madonna Tarrayo. The musical film will also directed by the MMFF 2023 Best Director. Diokno wrote the screenplay alongside Ricky Lee. (WATCH: Rappler Talk Entertainment: Pepe Diokno and Bituin Escalante on ‘Isang Himala’)

The Kingdom, starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual. It is produced by APT Entertainment, Inc., MZET TV Productions, Inc., and MQuest Ventures, Inc., and directed by Michael Tuviera. The family drama production is written by Michelle Ngu-Nario.

Sotto plays Lakan Makisig, a king struggling to name a successor among his children, Magat Bagwis (Sid Lucero), Dayang Matimyas (Cristine Reyes), and Dayang Lualhati (Sue Ramirez). Pascual, meanwhile, takes on the role of Sulo, an outcast who saves Dayang Lualhati, following an abduction and contends with malicious accusations. (READ: In ‘The Kingdom,’ director Michael Tuviera pictures a Philippines free from foreign rule)

Written and directed by Crisanto Aquino, My Future You is a romantic comedy about two lovers, Karen and Lex (Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin), who live 30 years apart but are mysteriously connected by a comet through a dating app. Karen, from the future timeline, asks Lex to help her alter pivotal moments in her life to prevent her parents’ separation. Their actions lead to unforeseen consequences, complicating both their futures and their growing connection.

The horror film Espantaho is directed by Chito S. Roño and written by Chris Martinez. The film stars Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Mon Confiado, Janice de Belen, and Eugene Domingo.

It follows a woman and her mother Rosa, who each end up falling in love with married men. A painting suddenly appears on their doorstep after the burial of Pablo, the married man Rosa was involved with. After the last day of the pasiyam, people begin to disappear one by one — with the two women investigating the mysterious incidents themselves.

Directed by Dan Villegas and written by Dodo Dayao,Uninvitedis a gripping thriller starring Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, and Nadine Lustre. The story follows Eva Candelaria, who infiltrates the birthday party of a billionaire responsible for her daughter’s death a decade ago. Determined to seek justice, Eva confronts each person involved in the tragedy, building tension as she closes in on her ultimate target.

Directed by Richard V. Somes, Topakkstars Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Kokoy de Santos, and Sid Lucero. The film follows Miguel, a former platoon leader struggling with PTSD after the loss of his unit in battle. Now working as a security guard, Miguel finds himself in a dangerous situation when he encounters a young girl he must protect from a corrupt group of police officers.

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Hold Me Close stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino. The film tells the story of a man who has spent seven years traveling across the globe in search of a home.

Arriving in a Japanese town, he meets a girl with an extraordinary gift: she can sense whether a person will bring joy or harm to her life through touch. Their meeting sparks a connection that challenges both their journeys.

As part of MMFF’s 50th year festivities it also launched year-round initiatives in celebration of this milestone, such as the “Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta,” and the Student Short Film Competition, among others.

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 Parade of Stars organized by the MMDA happened on Saturday, December 21, as the streets of Manila came alive with floats carrying the lead stars of this year’s 10 official entries.

Must Read

LOOK: All the floats at Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Parade of Stars

The parade route started at Kartilya ng Katipunan and ended at the Manila Central Post Office. – Rappler.com