Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Guide: All 10 Films You Should Watch

The Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 is a beloved tradition in the Philippines. Local cinemas take over screens nationwide every December 25 until the second week of January. And for its 49th year, the festival is shaking things up by including ten entries instead of the usual eight.

What Is The Metro Manila Film Festival 2023?

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual celebration of Filipino cinema that takes place during the Christmas season. It was first established in 1975 to showcase locally produced films and promote the local film industry. The festival runs for two weeks, from December 25 until the second week of January, and has become a staple in Filipino holiday celebrations.

Each year, the festival screens a selection of films that cater to different genres and audiences. MMFF has chosen ten films out of 30 submissions this year—the highest number in its history.

MMFF 2023 Movies

From heartwarming dramas to spine-tingling horror and everything in between, this year’s selection offers a diverse range of films to enjoy with your loved ones this holiday season. Here are all the ten official entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 that you should watch:

FAMILY OF TWO

Directed by Nuel Naval, this emotional drama stars Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards. They’re a mother-son duo navigating life’s ups and downs while pursuing their dreams. Get ready for a heartwarming story of the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

KAMPON

Derek Ramsay, Beauty Gonzalez, and Zeinab Harake star in this horror flick about a couple struggling to conceive until an orphan named Jade enters their lives. But as they welcome Jade into their family, they soon realize that her presence may not be as innocent as it seems.

PENDUKO

Matteo Guidicelli takes on the iconic role of Pedro Penduko in this action-packed film based on Francisco Conching’s popular comics series. Join Pedro as he discovers his true identity and uses his powers to fight against the dark forces threatening the world.

REWIND

Real-life couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes reunite for this drama-meets-magical-realism film on the big screen. After a shocking tragedy, they are given a second chance to make things right by rewinding time and fixing their troubled marriage.

BROKEN HEARTS TRIP

Christian Bables leads an all-star cast in this LGBTQIA+ comedy about a group of gay men traveling to different places in the Philippines to heal their broken hearts. With a million-peso prize on the line, will they find love along the way or just more heartache?

FIREFLY

Maria Clara at Ibarra director Zig Dulay returns with this heartwarming film about a young boy’s journey to find the mystical island of fireflies from his mother’s bedtime stories. Moreover, they discover the true meaning of courage and friendship with their friends. Join them as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

GOMBURZA

Pepe Diokno directs this historical drama centered on the lives of Jose Burgos, Jacinto Zamora, and Mariano Gomez, three priests executed for their beliefs during the Spanish colonial era. Watch their story unfold and learn more about this important chapter in Philippine history.

MALLARI

Piolo Pascual takes on a triple role in this chilling horror film based on the real-life story of Father Severino Mallari, believed to be the country’s first serial killer. Moreover, with Warner Brothers Philippines distributing the movie, expect top-notch scares and a gripping storyline.

BECKY AND BADETTE

This comedy film, starring Pokwang and Eugene Domingo, follows two best friends who become internet sensations after their viral reunion video. But as fame and fortune come knocking on their door, will it change their friendship for the better or for the worse?

WHEN I MET YOU IN TOKYO

Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon reunite on the silver screen in this romantic drama set in Japan. Follow their characters’ journey as they discover that love may come when you least expect it, with the added twist of Darren Espanto and Cassy Legaspi’s first movie appearance together.

With such a diverse lineup of films, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023. Grab your popcorn and mark your calendars for this Christmas season, and don’t forget to support these fantastic Filipino films! So watch for updates, and catch all of these movies on the big screen this holiday season. Happy watching!