On December 25, 2014 until the first week of January 2015, no foreign films would be shown in Philippine theaters. This is done annually, and is more popularly known as the 40th Annual Metro Manila Film Festival. It aims to showcases locally made films.
This year thirteen film entries were presented to the MMFF but only eight were chosen to be official entries.
Below are the list of the official entries for the 40th Annual Metro Manila Film Festival;
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo
A historical drama starring Robin Padilla and Vina Morales, this film tackles the life of one of the most famous national heroes who was also alleged to be the first president of the Philippines. This was directed by Enzo Williams and was being released by Philippians Productions.
English Only, Please
This film is about Tere and Julian, two heartbroken individuals who finds their bitterness and bad luck in love to be common. Julian, played by Derek Ramsay, hired Tere, acted by Jennylyn Mercado to be his personal translator. They eventually got closer but Julian was still in the process of moving on from his ex-girlfriend. English Only, Please is the only romance-comedy movie entry for this year. It was directed by Dan Villegas and produced by Quantum Films
Feng Shui 2
A sequel to the blockbuster Feng Shui back in 2004. Kris Aquino returns as Joy Ramirez, a previous owner of a cursed ‘bagua’ which brings both good and bad luck. Joining her is Coco Martin playing Lester, who would experience the similar curse as Joy had. This film was directed by Chito Roño and was jointly produced by Star Cinema and Kris Aquino Productions.
Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles
Another sequel to a hit horror story, Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) and his wife Sonia thought they made it safe after the ‘aswang’ attacks. However, Makoy lost his family when Vernon (Elizabeth Oropesa) killed his son and wife. He tried to live a new life but it seemed that trouble is still far from over. (Director: Erik Matti. Produced by:Reality Entertainment, GMA Films, Agostodos Pictures)
Muslim Magnum .357
A remake of the film launched on 1987 of the same name, it is a movie about Lt. Jamal played by ER Ejercito. He is set to rescue a Muslim princess named Ameerah, played by Sam Pinto. It was directed by Jun Posadas and was produced by Scenema Concept International and Viva Films.
My Big Bossing’s Adventures
Ryza Mae Dizon and Vic Sotto would once again star together in a spin-off blockbuster movie from last year. It features a fantasy setting which also stars Marian Rivera, ManilynReynes , Nikki Gil, Pauleen Luna, Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo and Paolo Ballesteros. It was directed by Joyce Bernal, Marlon Rivera and Tony Reyes, produced by Octoarts, MZET and APT ENT.
Praybeyt Benjamin 2
Vice Ganda returns as Colonel Benjamin ‘Benjie’ Santos VIII, a gay person who is in the military. It is a sequel to the film, The UnkabogablePraybeyt Benjamin. This time joining Vice are Richard Yap, Daniel Padilla, Julia Barretto, Bimby Aquino-Yap and Alex Gonzaga. DirekWennDeramas still directed this movie and it was co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva films.
Shake, Rattle and Roll XV
From the famous franchise of Shake, rattle and Roll, this year, Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana, Matteo Guidicelli, JC De Vera, Erich Gonzales and Lovi Poe would scare the movie goers with this film from Regal Films.
