2023’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) pleasantly exceeded expectations, surpassing ₱1 billion in gross earnings, reportedly doubling its previous year’s performance come its nearly two-week preview last January 7, 2024. Adhering to popular demand, the MMFF Executive Committee announced a week-long extension of its theatrical run, featuring the festival’s 10-film roster across cinemas nationwide until January 14, 2024.
𝗪𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂! 𝗠𝗠𝗙𝗙 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱; 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝟭-𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻
In response to the public clamor, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is proud to announce that the theatrical run of its 10 movie entries is extended.… pic.twitter.com/5rGPVMdZxr
— Official MMDA (@MMDA) January 7, 2024
In a circular, MMDA Acting Chairman and MMFF Overall Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes mentioned that the extension was a result of “numerous calls and requests on social media to extend the exhibition of the MMFF 2023 films.” Artes continued by expressing his deepest gratitude on behalf of the organizing committee to those who’ve shown continuous support and favorability for this past 2023 selection.
“Marami pong salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagtangkilik. Moviegoers, may mga karagdagang araw pa para panoorin lahat ng MMFF entries (Thank you so much for your continued support. Moviegoers, you still have several days to watch all of this year’s MMFF entries.),” he added.
LOOK: As of 3:52 p.m., Christmas Day, this is the situation at Trinoma Cinemas in Quezon City. Long lines of movie patrons buying tickets to watch MMFF movies. | via @mjfelipe pic.twitter.com/49SPZeq7JU
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 25, 2023
From the clamor brought about by social media demand, the long waiting cues and limited seating availability evidence the festival’s acclaim. According to a report from the Manila Bulletin last January 5, 2024, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s “Rewind” unofficially leads the festival’s top earners and is closely succeeded by “Mallari”, “Firefly”, and the recipient of the most MMFF 2023 awards (7) “GomBurZa.”
Following its local debut, the 10 entries are bound for the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood and the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California from January 29-February 2, 2024.
