THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) organizers are aiming to earn as much as P1 billion at the box office this year, according to spokesperson Noel Ferrer.
Ferrer believes the aim is realistic enough given the quality of the eight entries. He maintained, however, it would be understandable if they fall short of the target.
He told DZMM, “Kasi naintindihan natin ‘yong context naman ng pamumuhay ng mga tao kasi mas mahal ‘yong sine ngayon compared to last year.”
Note that last year, MMFF revenues went over the P1 billion mark.
Ferrer said they are hopeful more Filipinos would support the festival inasmuch as recent Hollywood fare as “Aquaman” did really well along with locally made movies.
He said, “’Pag palabas naman ‘yong mga big Hollywood movies, nandoon pa rin naman ‘yong mga tao. Noong pinalabas naman ‘yong ‘Hows of Us’ ng KathNiel, nandoon pa rin naman ‘yong mga tao…”
“The Hows of Us,” which screened last August, earned more than P600 million at the box office.
According to Ferrer, people are still very much into star-driven films, something that this year’s MMFF got loads of, mentioning such films as “Fantastica” starring popular TV host-comedian Vice Ganda and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles,” which stars proven box-office draw Vic Sotto alongside Coco Martin and Maine Mendoza.
If they are trying to earn so much, this is because, according to Ferrer, they aim to give more to MMFF beneficiaries like the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND), and the Anti-Film Piracy Board.
This year, fun and laughter dominate the MMFF as exemplified in the aforementioned “Fantastica” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.”
It also includes the usual horror offerings in “Aurora” starring Anne Curtis; and “Otlum,” starring Ricci Rivero, among other popular teen stars.
Rom-coms abound as well with Jericho Rosales and Jessie Mendiola coming together for the first time via “The Girl in the Orange Dress,” as with sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga in “Marry Me, Mary.”
Another entry, “Rainbow’s Sunset,” starring veterans Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero and Tony Mabesa, is more of a family drama that tackles issues concerning the LGBT community.
“One Great Love,” on the other hand, is a sizzler of sorts with lead star Kim Chiu shedding her wholesome image. (NEIL RAMOS)
