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A Closer Look at the Movies Set to Premiere at the 2023 Summer MMFF: Trailers Included
The lineup for the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been revealed, showcasing eight films from different genres. The Summer MMFF is a new addition to the annual Christmas MMFF, postponed due to COVID-19. While this initiative is an excellent addition to the national film festival, attracting viewers to watch movies during the summer may take a significant effort. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the eight entries for the 2023 Summer MMFF.
What is the 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival?
The Metro Manila Summer Film Festival is an annual film festival held in the Philippines, typically in summer. It features local films produced by Philippine film companies and aims to promote the country’s film industry. The festival also serves as a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their works and gain recognition in the industry.
In previous years, the festival has showcased various films, including drama, romance, comedy, action, and horror films. The festival includes special events and activities such as film forums, workshops, and exhibitions.
The Metro Manila Summer Film Festival has been around since the 1980s but was discontinued in the late 1990s. The festival was revived in 2019 under the leadership of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), after a 15-year hiatus.
When is the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival?
The first-ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival will run in all cinemas nationwide from April 8 to 18. The eight films were selected based on the following criteria: artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), Filipino cultural values (10%), and global appeal (10%).
Here are the 8 official entries for the upcoming 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival:
About Us But Not About Us
About Us But Not About Us is a drama-thriller directed by Jun Robles Lana, starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas. It tells the story of people struggling with the truth, where a simple conversation turns into a dangerous game that can destroy lives and dreams.
- Producer: Octoberian Films, The Ideafirst Company, Quantum Films
- Director: Jun Robles Lana
- Cast: Romnick Sarmenta, Elijah Canlas
- Genre: Drama Thriller
Apag
Apag is a crime drama directed by Brillante Mendoza, starring Coco Martin. The story revolves around two families involved in a hit-and-run accident. Nita files a criminal case when her husband dies, and Alfredo takes the blame for his son Rafael, leading to his imprisonment.
- Producer: Center Stage Production
- Director: Brillante Mendoza
- Cast: Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose, Gladys Reyes
- Genre: Crime Drama
Here Comes the Groom
Here Comes the Groom is a comedy directed by Chris Martinez, starring Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, and Maris Racal. It is the sequel to the popular film Here Comes the Bride.
- Producer: Quantum Films, CineKo Productions, Brightlight Productions
- Director: Chris Martinez
- Cast: Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilohuette, Maris Racal, Kalad Karen
- Genre: Comedy
Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko
Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko is a musical biopic directed by Joven Tan, featuring the music of OPM icon Rey Valera. RK Bagatsing plays Valera.
- Producer: Saranggola Media Productions, Inc.
- Director: Joven Tan
- Cast: RK Bagatsing, Meg Imperial
- Genre: Musical
Love You Long Time
Love You Long Time is a romantic film directed by JP Habac, starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano.
- Producer: Studio Three Sixty Inc.
- Director: JP Habac
- Cast: Carlo Aquino, Eisel Serrano
- Genre: Romance
Single Bells
Single Bells is a romantic comedy directed by Fifth Solomon, starring Angeline Quinto and Alex Gonzaga.
- Producer: Octoberian Films, The Ideafirst Company, Quantum Films
- Director: Fifth Solomon
- Cast: Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story
Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story is a drama directed by RC Delos Reyes, starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla. The plot is currently unknown, but the title suggests a love story set in Switzerland.
- Producer: MAVX Productions Inc.
- Director: RC Delos Reyes
- Cast: Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla
- Genre: Drama
Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko
Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko is a romantic drama directed by Bela Padilla, marking her directorial debut. She stars opposite South Korean actor Yoo Min-Gon.
- Producer: Viva Communications, Inc.
- Director: Bela Padilla
- Cast: Yoo Min-Gon, Bela Padilla
- Genre: Romance Drama
The 2023 Metro Manila Summer Film Festival Features various genres, from drama-thriller to musical biopics and romantic comedies. While the absence of action and horror genres may be noticeable, the lineup presents an opportunity to showcase the creativity of Filipino filmmakers. The festival will run for eleven days, from April 8th through the 18th, across all cinemas nationwide in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines. Moviegoers can expect a refreshing cinematic experience this summer with the 2023 Summer MMFF.
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