The 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the 43rd edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. It is organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine theaters (except IMAX, 4D, and large format 3D theaters).[1]
| Awards | Gabi ng Parangal (transl. Awards Night) |
|---|---|
| No. of films | 8 |
| Festival date | December 25, 2017 to January 7, 2018 |
The festival began with the traditional Parade of Stars (Filipino: Parada ng mga Artista) on December 23, 2017. Unlike the previous editions, which held its parade in Manila, the 2017 parade was held in Muntinlupa to celebrate the centennial of the city's founding as a municipality.[2]
Launch and reform edit
The following was the criteria used in determining the final 8 entries:[3]
The 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival was formally launched on March 7, 2017. As part of the launch ceremony, changes to the composition of the MMFF Executive Committee were announced. The changes were made in a bid to include more sectors of the film industry – representatives from the academe, government, media, and private sector professionals.[4]
Among the changes were the removal of Moira Lang and Ed Cabangot, who reportedly favor independent films, and the addition of representatives from theater chains.[5][6] The best practices from the film entries selection criteria used for the previous edition will be adopted into the selection process of the 2017 edition with MMFF Chairman Thomas Orbos saying that the film festival will feature a film roster that are of "quality and box office potential".[7]
New rules and regulations were introduced in the 2017 edition. This year's edition reintroduced the script submission which was the regulation prior to the 2016 edition.[8] The festival committee will now select four scripts and four finished films that will completely make up the Magic 8.[9][10] The selection criteria were also revised to reintroduce the controversial "commercial appeal/viability". The MMFF Executive Committee was criticized for these as it was alleged that the reintroduction of these old rules was made to accommodate the big mainstream studios that were mostly left out last year.[3][11] This move was seen as a way to prioritize box-office success over quality films.[12] After the announcement of the first four official entries from the script submissions, three members of the MMFF Executive Committee, namely, Ricky Lee, Rolando Tolentino and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, resigned due to failure to continue the reforms that occurred in the 2016 edition.[13][14] In a joint statement, the three former members stated that they did not agree on the MMFF Execom "putting too much emphasis on commerce over art" and they also explained that the first four entries did not affect their decision to leave as they're planning to leave long before the announcement of these entries.[15][16] Another MMFF Execom member, Ed Lejano, resigned only days after.[17] The first three resigned members were replaced by Maryo J. de los Reyes, Joy Belmonte-Alimurung and Arnell Ignacio. The remaining fourth slot is kept open for representatives of the independent cinema.[18]
Entries edit
Feature films edit
The first four films were announced on June 30, 2017,[19] representing the Magic 8, by using the script submission method.[20][21][19] The last four official entries were announced on November 17, 2017, completing the list of 8 official entries.[22] Of all the 26 submitted entries, 8 were chosen for the said film festival:
| Title | Starring | Studio | Director | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First batch | ||||
| All of You | Jennylyn Mercado, Derek Ramsay | Quantum Films, MJM Productions | Dan Villegas | Romance, Comedy |
| Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad | Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Pia Wurtzbach | Star Cinema, Viva Films | Joyce Bernal | Action, Comedy |
| Meant to Beh | Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta | OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment | Chris Martinez | Family, Comedy |
| Ang Panday | Coco Martin | CCM Productions, Star Cinema, Viva Films | Rodel Nacianceno | Action, Fantasy |
| Second batch | ||||
| Deadma Walking | Joross Gamboa, Edgar Allan Guzman | T-Rex Entertainment | Julius Alfonso | Comedy, Drama, Musical |
| Haunted Forest | Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal, Jon Lucas | Regal Entertainment | Ian Loreños | Horror, Thriller |
| Ang Larawan | Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino | Culturtain Musicat Productions | Loy Arcenas | Musical |
| Siargao | Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith | Ten17P | Paul Soriano | Romance, Drama |
Short films edit
Aspirant producers had until September 1, 2017 to submit entries for the Short Film category.[23] The eight short film entries were announced in November 2017. Two of the entries were animated films, Kinalimutan Natin ang mga Bata and Noel.[24]
| Title | Studio | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Anino (transl. Shadow) |
Chrox Productions | Malaya Ad Castillo |
| Anong Nangyari kay Nicanor Dante? (transl. What Happened to Nicanor Dante?) |
EMJEI Films and Photographs | Brian Spencer Reyes |
| Black Market | Lakan Media Creatives | Gio Gonzalves |
| Crab Mental | — | Joaquin Bamba |
| Gunita | Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila | Ryceanne Marie Manlulu |
| Isang Gabi (One Night) |
Lakan Media Creatives | Gio Gonzalves |
| Kinalimutan Natin ang mga Bata (transl. We Forgot about the Kids) |
University of the Philippines Film Institute | Gilb Baldoza |
| Noel | Go Motion Productions | Win Gonzales |
Rejected and unsubmitted entries edit
26 scripts for candidate film entries were submitted to the MMFF Executive Committee. Among these potential entries four films were accepted as the first official four entries. The following films had their scripts submitted to the film festival organizers but their entries were not accepted.[25]
- Ang Bomba ni Ginger Paloma by Antoinette Jadaone
- Buy Bust by Erik Matti[26][27]
- Deadma Walking by Julius Alfonso[28][29] (later accepted)
- Ang Larawan by Loy Arcenas[28][29] (later accepted)
- My Fairy Tail Love Story by Perci Intalan[30]
- Ang Sikreto ng Piso by Perry Escaño[27]
Other films reportedly has expressed interest to enter the 2017 MMFF prior to the announcement of the first four official entries:
- Bagtik by Chito Roño[27]
- Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids by Vincent Soberano[31]
- Smaller and Smaller Circles by Raya Martin[25]
- The Significant Others by Joel Lamangan[28][29]
- Tuwa, Luha, Saya: Memoirs of Timog by Roderick Lindayag[27]
The following films were reportedly submitted after the first four official entries were announced:
- Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga[32]
- Citizen Jake[28][29] by Mike de Leon reportedly attempted to enter the film festival through the script method but it was clarified that the film may be submitted in its finished form at a later date.[25] Due to issues of corruption within the festival committee, director Mike de Leon decided to cancel his entry for the festival.[33]
Parade of Stars edit
The traditional Parade of Stars which featured floats of the film festival's eight entries took place in Muntinlupa instead of the traditional route on Roxas Boulevard in Manila proper. The organizers made the decision in order to give opportunity to other local government units of Metro Manila to host the customary event. The parade was also done as part of Muntinlupa's centennial[34][35] on its foundation as a municipality on December 19, 1917.[36]
The route of the parade began south of the city at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex and ended at the Filinvest Event Grounds in the barangay of Alabang. The route's scope included Buendia Street, Centennial Avenue, and the National Road.[34]
Awards edit
| 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 27, 2017 |
| Highlights | |
| Best Picture | Ang Larawan |
| Most awards | Siargao (7) |
| Television coverage | |
| Network | TV5 |
The Gabi ng Parangal (transl. Awards Night) of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival was held on December 27, 2017 at the Kia Theatre in Quezon City.[37][38]
Major awards edit
Winners are listed first, highlighted in boldface, and indicated with a double dagger (‡). Nominations are also listed if applicable.[37][38]
Other awards edit
- Male Star of the Night – Derek Ramsay
- Female Star of the Night – Erich Gonzales
Short Film category edit
- Best Picture – Anong Nangyari kay Nicanor Dante?
- People's Choice Award – Noel
Multiple awards edit
| Awards | Film |
|---|---|
| 7 | Siargao |
| 6 | Ang Larawan |
| 4 | Ang Panday |
| 3 | All of You |
| 2 | Deadma Walking |
Box office gross edit
A week prior to the start of the Metro Manila Film Festival it was agreed upon that the disclosure of sales record of all 8 entries will be prohibited. The organizers announced that the gross sales of the first and second day has surpassed the figures of the 2015 edition.[39] On January 8, 2017, the MMFF executive committee announced that the total box office gross for all 8 entries surpassed ₱1 billion and decided to extend the screening of MMFF films in select cinemas beyond January 7, 2018.[40][41]
| # | Entry
|
Gross Ticket Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad | ₱ 540 million |
| 2. | Ang Panday | ₱ 204 million |
| 3. | Siargao | ₱ 80 million |
| 4. | Haunted Forest | ₱ 56 million |
| 5. | Meant to Beh | ₱ 51 million |
| 6. | All of You | ₱ 34 million |
| 7. | Ang Larawan | ₱ 29 million |
| 8. | Deadma Walking | ₱ 26 million |
TOTAL
|
₱ 1.02 billion | |
References edit
- ^ "MMFF 2017 | Screening Distribution | Day 1". 25 December 2017.
- ^ Yee, Jovic (December 8, 2017). "Metro Film Fest parade moves to Muntinlupa". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
- ^ a b "MMFF official denies 4 indies-4 mainstream formula for MMFF 2017 entries". Philippine Entertainment Portal. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "MMFF Launches 43rd Film Festival; Announces New Execom Members". Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ Dumaal, Mario (9 March 2017). "Pro-indie film members removed from MMFF execom". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ Nardo, Jun (9 March 2017). "Vilma, Grace Poe, Liza Dino pasok sa bagong execom ng MMFF 2017". Bandera (in Filipino). Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ Orias, Evan (8 March 2017). "Vilma Santos, Grace Poe among new faces in MMFF execomm". Malaya Business Insight. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ "MMFF reinstates movie script submissions for 2017 entries". Spot.PH. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "MMFF 2017 calls for entries". Rappler. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "MMFF 2017 rules out, deadlines". Manila Standard. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "No distinction between indie, mainstream films for 2017 MMFF". GMA News and Public Affairs. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "Initial MMFF entry selection generates controversy". BusinessWorld. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
- ^ "3 MMFF Execom members resign over announcement of first four entries". InterAksyon. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
- ^ "MMFF execom members resign; failure of film fest to continue reforms cited". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
- ^ "'Commerce over art' triggers filmfest row". Manila Standard. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
- ^ "MMFF problem goes beyond four entries, former execom members say". GMA News and Public Affairs. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
- ^ "MMFF 2017 Executive Committee member Ed Lejano resigns". CNN Philippines. 8 July 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- ^ "Three new MMFF execom members named". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- ^ a b "MMFF announces first 4 official entries for 2017 festival". Rappler. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ "How to join MMFF 2017". ABS-CBN News. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Coco Martin, Vice Ganda movies in MMFF 2017's 'Magic 8'". ABS-CBN News. 30 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ "Last 4 movies for MMFF 2017 announced". Rappler. 17 November 2017.
- ^ "MMFF Calls for Film Applicants for the Annual Festival". Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
- ^ Calderon, Nora (19 November 2017). "Animation movies pasok sa MMFF short films" [Animation movies among MMFF short films]. Pang-Masa (in Filipino). The Philippine Star. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
- ^ a b c Sallan, Edwin (3 July 2017). "'Buy Bust,' 'Ang Larawan,' Palanca winner among scripts snubbed by MMFF". InterAksyon. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Anne makikipagbakbakan sa MMFF". The Philippine Star. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Mga pelikulang 'posibleng' pumasok sa Top 8 ng 2017 MMFF". Push. 25 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Iza, chill ang patikim sa millennials". Abante Tonite. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Which movies are vying to become MMFF 2017 entries?". Philippine Entertainment Portal. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
- ^ "Janella-Elmo mermaid-themed movie to be submitted for consideration to MMFF 2017". Philippine Entertainment Portal. 5 April 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
- ^ "A new era for Pinoy action films". The Freeman. 17 March 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
- ^ Guerrero, Bob (27 September 2017). "Simone Rota finds his home in 'Journeyman' film". Rappler. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
- ^ "'Citizen Jake' no longer joining MMFF 2017". ABS-CBN News. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
- ^ a b "Metro Film Fest parade moves to Muntinlupa". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 8 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Map route for Metro Manila Film Festival's Parade of Stars 2017". Rappler. 15 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ Allanigue, Maria Alaine (25 December 2017). "Muntinlupa City celebrates Centennial Anniversary". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b "Full List: Winners of the MMFF 2017 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b Ranoa-Bismark, Maridol (28 December 2017). "Joanna Ampil, Derek Ramsay lead MMFF 2017 winners". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
- ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose (28 December 2017). "MMFF 2017 sets record for highest 1st, 2nd day sales". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
- ^ "MMFF 2017 exceeds P1-billion mark". Rappler. 8 January 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "'Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad' tops MMFF 2017 box office". Rappler. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ Ranoa-Bismark, Maridol (22 January 2018). "MMFF reveals 2017 box office sales, ranking". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 23 January 2018.