Laugh, Cry, and Celebrate: Here’s the Complete List of MMFF 2024 Official Entries

On its golden year, MMFF 2024 proudly presents the 10 official standout films—chosen from 70 entries—that promise to delight, move, and inspire every Filipino viewer.

Contrary to popular belief, Philippine cinema is far from dying. While the pandemic may have shifted Filipino viewing habits toward streaming platforms, it also sparked a wave of innovation and creativity among Filipino filmmakers. From fresh concepts to bold storytelling, these changes are breathing new life into local films.

Last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) proved this resilience, smashing records with a combined gross of ₱1.069 billion in just two weeks. Blockbuster hits like Rewind, GomBurZa, Mallari, Becky & Badette, and Firefly captivated audiences, showcasing the boundless potential of Filipino cinema. This year, with even more unique and compelling films, movie lovers are heading back to theaters, ready to embrace the magic of Filipino storytelling once again.

Check Out the 2024 MMFF Official Entries

Celebrating its 50th year with the theme “Sinesigla sa Singkwenta,” the MMFF is set to light up cinemas this holiday season. From the 70 film submissions, 10 standout entries have been selected to bring a diverse cinematic experience to audiences starting December 25. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud comedies, or heartfelt dramas, there’s literally something waiting for you in cinemas.

This all-Filipino film festival runs from Christmas Day to the first week of January, offering a perfect opportunity to reconnect with local cinema. Here’s a closer look at this year’s official entries:

Green Bones

The film explores humanity’s depths in dark times. It is a gripping drama about redemption. The script is written by National Artist Ricky Lee and directed by Zig Dulay. The story follows a prisoner, played by Dennis Trillo. He dreams of freedom as he becomes eligible for parole after years in prison for murder. However, a new prison guard, portrayed by Ruru Madrid, blocks his path to a second chance. The guard is determined to keep him locked up no matter what.

And the Breadwinner is…

Vice Ganda is back in the MFFF—but steps into a more heartfelt role in a film blending humor and real-life struggles under the masterful direction of Jun Robles Lana. This touching story celebrates the sacrifices of breadwinners, centered on family responsibilities and personal dreams. Featuring a star-studded cast including Jhong Hilario, Eugene Domingo, and Maris Racal, the movie is a tribute to those who carry the weight of their families’ hopes.

Isang Himala: Isang Musikal

After the success of last year’s award-winning retelling of the story of the three martyr priests, GomBurZa, highly-acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Pepe Diokno returns to the festival with a reimagined version of the 1982 classic Himala with Himala: Isang Musikal—a film that breathes new life into the beloved tale of faith and miracles. Set in the fictional town of Cupang, it follows a woman whose visions spark both devotion and doubt in her community. Featuring Aicelle Santos and the cast of the acclaimed stage play, this adaptation blends cinematic and theatrical brilliance.

Hold Me Close

Hold Me Close pairs Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto in a moving romance about fate and the power of connection. Julia plays a girl with the rare ability to sense whether people will bring her joy or pain, leading her to live cautiously. However, her life ultimately changes when she meets Aquino’s character, who teaches her to embrace love despite its risks. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, this film is a heartfelt exploration of love and vulnerability.

My Future You

This romantic comedy by Crisanto Aquino stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin. They play star-crossed lovers connected through a dating app. However, there’s a twist. The app transcends time and links their lives across two timelines. Through their exchanges, they discover love and a shared longing for a better future. Blending youthful charm with themes of technology, family, and destiny, My Future You explores modern love in a refreshing way.

Uninvited

Director Dan Villegas delivers a gripping psychological thriller led by an all-star cast, including Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, Mylene Dizon, Tirso Cruz III, Lotlot De Leon, Elijah Canlas, and Aga Mulach. The film centers on Eva Candelaria (Santos), a grieving mother seeking vengeance after her daughter’s tragic death. Her quest for justice becomes a labyrinth of secrets, betrayals, and moral dilemmas, testing the limits of her resolve. With its intricate storytelling and standout performances, the film is a haunting reminder of the lengths people go to for justice—and the price they pay along the way.

Topak

Julia Montes is back in a gritty action drama directed by Richard V. Somes. She stars alongside Arjo Atayde and Sid Lucero in a story about a former platoon leader (Atayde) transitioning to life as a security guard. Navigating his new reality, he finds himself entangled in high-stakes conflicts that threaten his safety and those around him.

Espantaho

Who says horror doesn’t belong during the holidays? In Espantaho, acclaimed director Chito S. Roño creates a chilling drama-thriller. The film features Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. The story follows Monet and her mother, Rosa. They mourn the loss of their patriarch, Pabling. His rice harvest sustained their family for years. When drought forces Monet to start an antique business, tensions rise. Pabling’s legal wife, Adele (Chanda Romero), arrives with her children to claim the land. As the nine-day pasiyam unfolds, buried secrets and sinister forces emerge. Monet and Rosa must face personal demons and a supernatural threat to protect their family.

Stranger Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital

From The Entity to Seklusyon, Honor Thy Father, and On the Job, award-winning director-producer Erik Matti is back in a film based on the 2018 South Korean cult horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. Starring Jane de Leon and Enrique Gil, this horror film delivers spine-chilling suspense following a group of Filipino actors exploring Taiwan’s infamous Xinglin Hospital, known for its dark and eerie history.

The Kingdom

Vic Sotto shifts from comedy to drama in The Kingdom, directed by Mike Tuviera. The film is set in a reimagined Philippines where colonization never occurred. It follows Lakan Makisig (Sotto), the ruler of the Kingdom of Kalayaan. His daughter, Dayang Lualhati (played by Sue Ramirez), is rescued from abduction by an outcast named Sulo (Piolo Pascual). After her rescue, she begins to question her father’s rule. As Sulo faces life-threatening accusations, he takes bold steps. These actions could alter the kingdom’s future forever.

Indeed, the future is bright for Philippine cinema—much more if we keep supporting our local artists and creatives. By heading to theaters this 2024 MMFF season, you’re not just enjoying great official entries, you are also championing Filipino talent and creativity for the world to see.

So, which of these films are on your must-watch list? And which do you think will win big during the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27? Stay tuned for more updates and let the movie marathon begin!

_{Cover image credit: MMFF 2024}