Even if the main seat of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival is the imperial Manila, the regions aren’t spared of the showing of its ten official entries.
Precisely because the 2024 MMFF is nationwide in scope despite the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) organizes oversees the event.
It is mandated in 2002 that entries to the MMFF in any given year be screened especially when they started to showcase in the regions.
This year, Region 8, Leyte and Samar provinces, will once again be regaled on the big screen with the official films included in the 50th MMFF, the golden year of the fest.
In Tacloban City alone, there are malls that will play the Magic 10 entries as well as in other key cities of Leyte Province like Ormoc which is already urbanized with mall cinemas.
In Samar, cities like Catbalogan, Catarman and Calbayog have theaters to show the entries.
On Christmas Day, Leyte and Samar—all Waraynons—will be treated to the fascination and wonder of Filipino movies.
The Magic 10 includes:
“And the Breadwinner is…”; Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company; Dir. Jun Robles Lana
A breadwinner working as an OFW based in Taiwan goes home and expects her dream house to be done on her birthday only to find out that their dilapidated house still stands that creates animosity in the family. Features Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, Joel Torres, Gladys Reyes, John Hilario, Kokoy de Santos, among others.
“Green Bones”; GMA Pictures; Dir. Zig Dulay
Domingo Zamora is up for parole after being jailed for murder but his journey to freedom is blocked when newly assigned corrections officer Gonzaga works to ensure that Zamora remains behind bars for killing his sister and niece. Stars Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid.
“Isang Himala”; Kapitol Films, USX; Dir. Pepe Diokno
A musical film adapted from the 1982 iconic masterpiece “Himala” directed by Ishmael Bernal is a foray into the life of Elsa, a faith healer as she claims to have seen the apparition of the Virgin Mary during a solar eclipse. Top bills Aicelle Santos as Elsa.
“The Kingdom”; M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment and Media Quest; Dir. Michael Tuviera
In the Kingdom of Kalayaan, Lakan Makisig is posed with a problem on succession to his throne that quickly spirals out of control. Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual star.
“Strange Frequencies; Taiwan Killer Hospital”; Reality MM Studios; Dir. Kerwin Go
A motley group of Filipino amateur spirit questors explore the talked about Xinglin General Hospital in Taiwan as they witness strange things happening in it. Showcases Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon, Alexa Miro, MJ Lastimosa, Raf Pineda and Ryan Azurin.
“Espantaho”; Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, Purple Bunny Productions; Dir. Chito S. Rono
The film tackles a mother and daughter who are entangled in a web of complicated and morally challenging situations involving married men. Presents the thespic talents of Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen and Chanda Romero.
“Hold Me Close”; Viva Films, Ninuo Media; Dir. Jason Paul Laxamana
The film is about Woody, a vagabond who meets Lynlyn in Japan. While she has the special ability to tell if a certain person will cause happiness or harm to her, their platonic relationship turns deeper as the two discover if they really are meant for each other. Features Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto.
“My Future You”; Regal Entertainment; Dir. Crisanto Aquino
A coming-of-age narrative about youngsters Karen and Lex meet who initially hit it off but when they see each other in person, they realize they’re on two different timelines, she in 2024 and he in 2009. Features Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin.
“Topakk”; Nathan Studios, Strawdog Studios, FUSSE; Dir. Richard Somes
The action caper is about a former special forces operative with PTSD who tries to rescue a woman who is being hunted by a corrupt police death squad affiliated with a drug cartel. Presents Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes and Levy Ignacio.
“Uninvited”; Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects; Dir. Dan Vilegas
“Uninvited” follows the story of Eva Candelaria, a mother who seeks revenge on a billionaire named Guilly for killing her daughter. Disguised, she attends his party with a vengeful plan to eliminate the culprit.
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