It is the Christmas season once again and the highly anticipated annual Metro Manila Film Festival  or MMFF is just around the corner. For this year, the 48th edition of the film festival which was developed and organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority or MMDA features its theme 'Balik Saya' MMFF 2022 which encourages movie goers to support the local films now that it is fully back. 

Last October, the MMDA selection committee revealed the 8 official movie entries that made the cut:

Deleter

Directed by the acclaimed Mikhail Red, starring Nadine Lustre, McCoy De Leon and Louise delos Reyes, this techno-horror entry follows the story of Lyra, an online content moderation officer known as the 'deleters' who are tasked to filter and censor graphic uploads from reaching various social media platforms. 

Family Matter 

Directed by Nuel Naval, this tear-jerking and heartwarming contemporary film narrates a story of a family   with two senior citizen parent played by veteran actor Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena, and their four children starring Nonie Buencamino, the successful son; Mylene Dizon, the good daughter; Nikki Valdez, the single; JC Santos, the optimistic one. They tell a story like any other family that squabbles and puts it to the test when one of their parents gets sick and the question is who's gonna take care of them. 

Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told 

The lone historical action movie directed by Lester Dimaranan, starring Edu Manzano, Paolo Gumabao and Aljur Abrenica. Based on the controversial and tragic Mamasapano clash in 2015 where 44 brave members of the PNP known as the SAF 44 died.

My Father, Myself

A film by the veteran director, Joel Lamangan, the movie features actors Jake Cuenca, Sean de Guzman and Dimples Romana. Last November, the teaser of the movie went viral and had mixed opinions from the netizens after learning that   it was BL themed (Boy's Love) and filled with intimate incenst scenes. Full of confusions and twisted plot, this show is definitely a must watch.

Labyu with an Accent 

Primetime King Coco Martin is back in the big screen and the MMFF as the lead and the director together with a new leading lady, Jodi Sta. Maria. This romantic-comedy film revolves around Trisha who spent 20 years in the US and went back to the country with a broken heart and Gabo who does a boyfriend-for-hire scheme. The path of the two cross and the question is will Gabo can mend Trish's broken heart?

Nanahimik ang Gabi

A daring and controversial horror-thriller and social commentary movie starring seasoned actor Ian Veneracion and up and coming actress Heaven Peralejo. The show tells a story of a corrupt cop played by Ian and a 'sugar baby' played by Heaven. The companionship between the two was disrupted when an unknown man entered the scene.  

Partners in Crime

The OG MMFF star Vice Ganda and Youtube vlogger Ivana Alawi collide in this new comedy movie directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. The film revolves around the story of ex-partners who cross paths once again. A comedy adventure, the two must figure a way out after getting involved in a crime despite unsettled issues in the past. 

My Teacher 

Directed by Paul Soriano, 'My Teacher' starring Toni Gonzaga and Joey De Leon features a story of a high school teacher   and her 70-year-old student who will teach her a valuable and meaningful lesson in life. 

On Christmas Day, December 25, cinemas and theaters nationwide are surely jam packed for this yearly tradition with this diverse and unique set of movies. Don’t miss out and let us all continue to give our all out support to our local films. 

Our ultimate Christmas tradition begins in 4 days, see you there!