‘THE KINGDOM’ AND BEYOND: WHAT PINOYS ARE WATCHING THIS MMFF 2024

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrates its 50th year with a grand lineup of films and activities leading up to its opening on 25 December.

As part of the pre-festival buzz, a grand media and fan conference was held on 6 December at Gateway 2, showcasing the excitement surrounding this milestone edition. I spoke with moviegoers from different walks of life to hear their thoughts on this year’s entries and what excites them most about Filipino cinema today.

FILMS SPARKING INTEREST

The Kingdom, directed by Michael Tuviera, has emerged as a crowd favorite among this year’s lineup. CJ Boado, a freelance nurse and content creator from Taguig, explained, “It’s the first time we’ll see Vic Sotto in a serious role.” CJ also shared interest in Vice Ganda’s And the Breadwinner Is..., calling it “a refreshing drama-comedy,” as well as Green Bones and Himala: Isang Musikal, which he called “dark horses with exciting stories and genres.”

For government employee Queen Portes from Manila, And the Breadwinner Is... is the perfect pick for some light entertainment.

“I just want to laugh and relax while enjoying a bit of drama,” she said. Queen also expressed interest in Green Bones, adding, “I’m curious about what prisoners go through.” Watching MMFF films, Queen shared, is one of her stress relievers, something she enjoys with her 17-year-old daughter.

CSR and music producer Kurt Vincent Argana from Marilao shared similar enthusiasm for The Kingdom, describing it as “great to see Vic Sotto in a serious role alongside Piolo Pascual.” Kurt also praised Jun Lana’s direction in And the Breadwinner Is..., calling Vice Ganda’s involvement “a refreshing departure from his usual comedies.”

Consultant Jayvee Carlo Hermocilla from San Juan shared his take on The Kingdom: “It feels like an alternate universe of the Philippines — what our government might look like if we weren’t colonized.” Jayvee also highlighted Chito Roño’s Espantaho, which he praised for exploring “traditions and mythical beliefs” through its intriguing myth-based storyline.

Meanwhile, Jeanne Katrina Astorga, a mother of three from Quezon City, singled out The Kingdom for its cultural relevance. “The cinematography looks great, and I like the part where the plot touches the culture of our Muslim brothers,” she said.

Consultant Bernie Bagaman from Pasig highlighted Himala: Isang Musikal. “I’m curious to see a musical version of this highly acclaimed film,” Bernie said, adding that Uninvited, starring Nadine Lustre, Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach, is also on his radar.

Writer and director AJ Torno from San Pablo shared excitement about My Future You, directed by Crisanto Aquino. “I’ve been wanting to watch this movie for a long time,” he said, explaining how its lead stars, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, were once part of his own film pitch.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CINEMA

For many respondents, MMFF remains a tradition and a way to support Filipino filmmakers. Queen shared that watching movies has always been her stress reliever. “As long as I have the time and like what’s showing, I’m willing to spend for an MMFF ticket,” she said.

Kurt described the joy of watching MMFF entries in packed theaters: “It’s worth it to watch these movies, especially this decade’s lineup compared to before. It’s fun to watch in a packed theater while enjoying a Filipino film.”

CJ agreed, saying, “Watching movies is like therapy. I always watch MMFF every December, and it makes me happy when I watch quality movies.”

CHALLENGES AND HOPES

When asked about the possibility of an Oscar nomination, responses varied. CJ suggested that government and private funding would be key to success. “I think the right films should be sent, and they should be funded by the government and private sector,” CJ said.

Kurt saw potential, citing the near-success of Iti Mapukpukaw as a step forward, while Nell Bermejo, a finance manager from Quezon City, expressed doubt about MMFF films achieving this milestone. “I don’t think it’ll come from MMFF movies,” Nell said. “Maybe it’ll come from our independent films.”

PERFORMANCES TO WATCH

Respondents were also excited about standout actors this year. CJ is eager to see Judy Ann Santos’ return to the big screen. “I’ve missed seeing her onscreen,” CJ said. “I’m also thrilled to watch Nadine Lustre in Uninvited. It’s her darkest role yet — it’s a new era for her in movies.”

Kurt expressed his faith in Vice Ganda’s dramatic performance in And the Breadwinner Is.... “I don’t know if Vice can pull off a performance like Paolo Ballesteros in Die Beautiful, but I trust Jun Lana’s direction,” he said.

MMFF 2024 runs from 25 December to 7 January 2025 in cinemas nationwide.