Christmases in the Philippines do not only mean good food, family reunions, and the much-awaited pamasko. It also marks the start of the Metro Manila Film Festival, an annual event showcasing films of different genres, screened in cinemas nationwide. The festival kicks off this December 25 and will be running until January 7, 2020.
Here are all 8 films which you can catch during the festival:
Miracle in Cell #7
Directed by: Nuel Naval
A remake of the Korean film of the same name, Miracle in Cell #7 centers on a mentally-impaired man who is wrongfully accused and imprisoned for murder. He then befriends with the criminals in his cell, who eventually help him see his daughter again by smuggling her in. The film stars Aga Muhlach, Xia Vigor, Bela Padilla, Soliman Cruz, Soliman Cruz, JC Santos, Joel Tarro, Jojit Lorenzo, and Mon Confiado.
Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity
Directed by: Linnet Zurbano
Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity is a family comedy from APT Entertainment. The upcoming film stars Vic Sotto, Maine Mendoza, Pokwang, Jake Cuenca, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and more.
Sunod
Directed by: Carlo Ledesma
From TEN17P comes Sunod, a horror film starring Carmina Villaroel, Mylene Dizon, Susan Africa, and Kate Alejandrino. It centers on a woman who's desperate to find the cure to her daughter's illness. She takes a job at a call center, only to be haunted by the ghost in it.
The Mall, The Merrier
Directed by: Barry Gonzales
The Mall, The Merrier is a musical family comedy film starring Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis as Moira and Morisette, respectively. This is the first time that the two celebrities will be appearing in one film.
Mindanao
Directed by: Brillante Mendoza
A film starring Judy Ann Santos, Mindanao tells the story of a mother who is caring for her child who is suffering from a terminal illness. The film also shows the culture of Mindanao, as well as the conflicts and issue people are facing here. Joining Santos are Allen Dizon and Ketchup Eusebio.
Write About Love
Directed by: Crisanto Aquino
Write About Love centers on two writers with different styles who must work together to write a romantic film. This film from TBA Studios stars Miles Ocampo, Rocco Nacino, Yeng Constantino, and Joem Bascon.
Tripol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon
Directed by: Coco Martinn
This film from CCM Film Productions will be starring Coco Martin, Jennylyn Mercado, Aiai Delas Alas, and Edu Manzano.
Culion
Directed by: Alvin Yapan
Culion is a film set in the 1940s on an island that was once a leprosarium. It's about three leper women who are trying to fight the stigma of their illness while redefining their roles as women, mother, friend, and human being. It stars Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Joem Bascon, and Mike Liwag.
