After the successful Metro Manila Film Festival 2022, its summer edition, which will be held in April, has announced the eight participating movies.
Coco Martin returns to star in the drama "Apag" by renowned director Brillante Mendoza together with veterans Jaclyn Jose, Gladys Reyes, and Sen. Lito Lapid after starring in the MMFF 2022 movie "Labyu with an Accent."
Jun Robles Lana, who is best known for his work on Prime Video's first original Filipino film "Ten Little Mistresses," returns with "About Us But Not About Us," starring Elijah Canlas and Romnick Sarmienta.
Joven Tan's musical drama "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok," based on Rey Valera's songs, also made it to the cut. It stars RK Bagatsing, Meg Imperial, Christopher de Leon, Ara Mina, Lotlot de Leon, Ronnie Lazaro, Gian Magdangal, Epy Quizon, and Aljur Abrenica in an ensemble cast.
Abrenica also appears in Fifth Solomon's comedy "Single Bells," co-starring with Alex Gonzaga and Angeline Quinto. Chris Martinez's "Here Comes the Groom," starring Eugene Domingo, Enchong Dee, Maris Racal, Awra Briguela, KaladKaren, Kempee de Leon, and drag queen Xilhouette, is the other comedic entry.
"Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story," directed by RC Delos Reyes and starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla, is a romantic entry, as is "Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko," directed by Bela Padilla and starring Yoo Min-gon and Lorna Tolentino.
JP Habac's "Love You Long Time," starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano, rounds out the lineup.
The members of the selection committee of the Metro Manila Summer Film Festival (MMSFF) chose the final eight from a total of 33 entries following criteria similar to the regular edition: artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), Filipino cultural values (10%), and global appeal (10%).
The MMSFF Parade of Stars will be held in Quezon City on April 2 before the festival begins on April 8 and runs through April 18, with the Awards Night set for April 11 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
"Deleter" won seven awards at the 2022 MMFF, including Best Picture, Best Director for Mikhail Red, and Best Actress for Nadine Lustre. "Nanahimik ang Gabi" and "Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told" were also big winners.
