Spend this season checking out the selection of MMFF films to beat the holiday blues!
After two years of being held back by the pandemic, the Metro Manila Film Festival now goes all out this 2022 with back-to-back premiere nights, mall shows, and the parade of stars. In its 48th year, MMFF has selected eight films to premiere on Christmas day—a well-known tradition to us avid watchers of MMFF selections.
A Filipino Christmas feels incomplete without watching at least one movie from the list. The diverse roster for 2022’s lineup now gives you the chance to select your chosen films and include them in your watch list.
Here’s how you can choose the best MMFF movie to watch based on your holiday spirit:
If you love a thrilling experience
Horror and thriller had always been a staple in the MMFF roster since time immemorial. Some of the past entries from this genre have earned their blockbuster status because of their unexpected jumpscares and plot twists. This year, get those goosebumps with Deleter starring Nadine Lustre, McCoy De Leon, and Louise Delos Reyes. The film will surely alter how you view the Internet when you find out how dark and sinister it can be for those who manage it.
If you need some tugging of your heartstrings
Getting older and living through life can change your view on a lot of things. As you age, priorities and perspectives can mean differently to you and others. Maybe the holidays are your sign to get that epiphany and live life fuller. If you’re looking for some epiphany, My Teacher and Family Matters might just be for you.
Toni Gonzaga, Joey De Leon, Loisa Andalio, and Ronnie Alonte are part of the former’s cast. The main actress plays the role of the educator who manages an unruly class with an older student played by Joey De Leon.
Noel Trinidad and Liza Loreno head the family of the second film, alongside Nonie Buencamino, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, Nikki Valdez, James Blanco, and JC Santos. Family Matters talks about how parents and children have their own crosses to bear in keeping families together.
If you’re in the mood for history and action
Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told should be the first on your list. The film tackles the Mamasapano clash in 2015, which resulted in the tragic death of the SAF 44. The motion picture stars Edu Manzano, Aljur Abrenica, Paolo Gumabao, Rey Abellana, Gerald Santos, and Claudine Barretto.
If you’re in it for some sort of secret-keeping
Two motion pictures have illicit affairs as their theme, namely Nananahimik ang Gabi and My Father, Myself. Ian Veneracion, Heaven Peralejo, and Mon Confiado top the billing for the former. Ian and Heaven’s characters are in a steamy, secret relationship that will come with consequences.
Meanwhile, the cast of the latter includes Jake Cuenca, Sean de Guzman, Dimples Romana, Tiffany Grey, and Allan Paule. When family and identity clash, how can we make sense of the two without making it harder for others and ourselves?
Some Christmases really involve complicated relationships, and these two films surely exhibit that reality.
If you’re looking for some comic with emotional relief
As cliché as it sounds, laughter can cure the holiday blues that you might be feeling this season. Partners in Crime and Labyu With an Accent can be your top picks if you need a little more joy in your life.
In Partners in Crime, Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi play Jack and Rose, respectively, who are two estranged friends reunited with a twist of life’s events. As they go head-to-head for an exclusive interview, an event propels them to work together.
Opposites attract with the characters of Jodi Sta. Maria and Coco Martin in Labyu With An Accent. With their two worlds colliding, can they meet halfway to make real love happen in their lives?
The Metro Manila Film Festival will run in theaters nationwide from December 25, 2022 to January 7, 2023.
