Add the theaters to your summer destination with MMFF’s film selection showing this April
Summer is the season for literal and figurative getaways. You get a break from school days, your workload, or the hustle and bustle of urban living. Basking in the heat of the sun in the comfort of your home or exploring a new city or hobby can even be a part of your plan. But if you don’t have any summer activities lined up yet, now’s the time to include the cinemas to your destination list as Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) launches its summer movie festival this coming April.
Out of the 33 submissions, eight films made it to the cut and are giving us our feels trip in theaters next month. According to MMDA and MMFF chairman Don Artes, they are hoping to reach younger audiences this time around in contrast to the family-centric selections during December. From comedy to crime drama, the lineup offers cinephiles and curious viewers something to beat their summer curiosity. With that said, here’s a guide on the motion pictures that you can see during the movie festival:
Playing mind games
No summer is complete without any adventure, and that includes a one of a kind cinematic experience. If you are one to weigh on the characters’ decisions and analyze their moral compasses, two films are just for you. Brillante Mendoza’s Apag (English title: Feast) starring Coco Martin, Jaclyn Jose, Gina Pareño, and Gladys Reyes is a crime drama about a hit-and-run case between two families.
Meanwhile, Jun Lana’s About Us But Not About Us moves through the conversation between Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas’ characters during a supposedly simple meeting between the two.
Watching love in motion
Romance may not be part of your agenda this summer, but you can live vicariously through the characters of these movies for the summer MMFF. Angeline Quinto makes an acting comeback with Fifth Solomon’s Single Bells alongside Alex Gonzaga and Aljur Abrenica.
Bela Padilla also takes on both the lead role and the director for her new movie Yung Libro Sa Napanood Ko with Korean actor Yoo Min-gon, while established leading man Carlo Aquino top bills the JP Habac film Love You Long Time with actress Eisel Serrano.
Another dashing actor featured in the festival is Gerald Anderson for RC Delos Reyes’ Unravel: A Swiss Love Story alongside Kylie Padilla, wherein the movie was shot in Switzerland last year.
These tales will surely let you empathize with characters who, in one way or another, have their own take on love.
Honoring classics
What’s Filipino culture without any music and comedy when these are two integral parts of our identity? Your summer days will surely get better with a little jamming and laughter with the last two movies lined up for the festival. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko is a biopic of the singer-songwriter Rey Valera, directed by Joven Tan. Actors RK Bagatsing, Epi Quizon, Ariel Rivera, Gelli De Belen, Christopher De Leon, and Meg Imperial star in the film.
Wrapping the list up is Chris Martinez’s Here Comes The Groom starring Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Maris Racal, Awra Briguela, Gladys Reyes, and Eugene Domingo. Fans will surely enjoy this new comedy film that comes as a sequel of sorts to the 2010 film, Here Comes The Bride.
As part of the festival’s tradition, the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival will also have its parade of stars and awards night happening on April 2 and April 11, respectively before it begins its run in theaters nationwide from April 8 to 18.
