Eight film finalists made it to the complete lineup of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2019 and before each production house gives us official releases, we already have our own little expectations set on these films.
The diverse genres of this year’s MMFF are what we need to either end the year right or start 2020 with a kick. To no surprise, yet still giving a blitz of excitement, Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto, and Coco Martin are again part of the list for a new dose of comedy and action. MMFF first timers are also ready to make it hit on the big screen.
Mindanao
Directed by Brilliante Mendoza
After its world premiere in Busan International Film Festival, Brilliante Mendoza and Judy Ann Santos are set to bring home their masterpiece for MMFF 2019. The award-winning filmmaker and the veteran actress are definitely going to leave us in tears and melancholy in this family-oriented heavy drama. This is surely another iconic role for Judy Ann Santos, don’t you think?
The Mall, The Merrier
Directed by Barry Gonzales
Every Christmas season, Vice Ganda is always set to make a comedy movie fitting for the whole family and friends. Of course, he had the biggest stars to team up him in every movie. And this year, Anne Curtis joins Vice Ganda in another riot, feel-good, comedy film. What could be Vice and Anne’s unimaginable transformations for their characters? Well, we’ll see on December 25th.
Miracle in Cell No. 7
Directed by Nuel Naval
The Filipino adaptation of the hit Korean drama, Miracle in Cell No. 7 lands a most deserved spot on the list. As they released the complete cast, the most unexpected collaboration of the year, Aga Muhlach and Bela Padilla, will surely touch our hearts and leave us a good cry. Although we already got a gist of what to expect from the film’s storyline, we’re still looking forward on how their chemistry will turn out on the big screen.
Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity
Directed by Mike Tuveria
There’s no stopping Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza in teaming up for another film fest entry. While these could probably be another comedy and action fest, we’re still looking forward on how their new roles will differ. Especially since Coco Martin took a leap from last year’s team up and submitting his own separate entry this year.
Culion
Directed by Alvin Yapan
A film about girls suffering from a rare disease—Jasmine Curtis, Iza Calzado, and Meryll Soriano, as well as of director Alvin Yapan tackle an unseen problem in the country. With the Philippines having the highest incidence of leprosy of any country in the region, there’s a need for everyone to watch out how Culion will emphatically and effectively address the relevant issue in film.
3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon
Directed by Rodel Nacianceno
No stranger to the MMFF, Coco Martin stars in this comedy movie with Jennylyn Mercado and Ai Ai Delas Alas. A coming together unforeseen, we need to see the right amount of laughter, romance, and thrilling action in one go.
Write About Love
Directed by Cristano Aquino
Miles Ocampo and Rocco Nacino will star in the lighthearted, playful romantic movie for MMFF 2019. Just hearing about the title, we can only imagine the film involving love letters, poetry and everything related. It could or could not be, but for certain, it will make hearts skip a beat.
Sunod
Directed by Carlo Ledesma
When we speak of different genres, there can’t be no horror film completing the list. In the film, Carmina Villaroel is set to channel her undaunted character as she stars in this horror film with Mylene Dizon, Susan Africa, and Kate Alejandrino. From Eerie to Clarita, we all know 2019 has a good list of horror films. Thus, we’re allowing this TEN17P film to give us nightmares and sleepless nights during the holidays.
What we love about this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival are the freshest team ups we never thought we could see in 2019. So, which among those are the ones you didn’t expect? Or all of them?
