The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering a major shift in how the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) reaches its audience, with affordability now firmly on the table.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes revealed that the agency is open to reviewing ticket prices, acknowledging growing concerns that rising cinema costs may be keeping ordinary moviegoers away from what is meant to be a people’s festival.

Speaking on Monday, 5 January, Artes said it may be time to rethink long-standing formulas to revive mass participation.

“Maybe this time we have to try a new formula,” he said, noting that lowering ticket prices could potentially be offset by increased audience turnout. “Baka naman ‘yung ibabawas natin sa ticket price ay makuha natin in terms of volume,” he added, stressing that the proposal is already being seriously studied by the agency.

However, Artes clarified that any changes would require cooperation from cinema operators, as ticket pricing ultimately remains a business decision.

“At the end of the day it’s a business decision on the part of the cinema owners dahil alam naman natin may maintenance cost ‘yan,” he said, citing operational expenses such as upkeep and theater maintenance that exhibitors must consider.

Beyond pricing, Artes emphasized that continuous self-assessment is central to the festival’s evolution. He said the MMDA regularly evaluates each edition of the MMFF to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

“Pag-usapan namin seriously. Like any other Metro Manila Film Festival naman, after naman nagre-revisit kami saan kami nagkamali, ano ‘yung room for improvement,” he said.