The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) returns in 2023 through a broader light, welcoming 10 entries into its prestigious roster. Diverting from the event’s annual eight, the committee announced the addition of six additional entrants in the second wave of evaluations last October 2023, with the fourth, fifth, and sixth placers accumulating a tied score of 93.3 percent.
Quezon City’s New Frontier Theatre hosted the awaited Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) last December 27, 2023, two days after the festival’s opening. Among MMFF’s 2023 candidates, “GomBurZa” racked up the most wins, securing seven awards under the wing of Best Director Pepe Diokno and Best Actor Cedrick Juan.
MMFF recognized “Firefly” as its Best Picture, noting its resounding screenplay and the academy’s Best Child Performer, Euwenn Mikaell. Rado Peru and Rommel Penesa’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” and Roderick Cabrido’s “Mallari” took home four awards a piece. “Becky & Badette” (2), “K(Ampon)” (1), and “Family of Two” (1) were other notable productions, rounding up the ceremony’s 2023 victors.
Here is the full list of winners of the 2023 MMFF:
- Best Float: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikaell, Firefly
- Best Sound: Melvin Q. Rivera and Louie Boy Bauson, GomBurZa
- Best Score: Von de Guzman, Mallari
- Best Original Theme Song: “Finggah Lickin,” Becky & Badette
- Best Visual Effects: Gaspar Mangarin, Mallari
- Best Production Design: Ericson Navarro, GomBurZa
- Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino, K(Ampon)
- Best Cinematography: Carlo Canlas Mendoza, GomBurZa
- Gender Sensitivity: Becky & Badette
- Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda Memorial Award: Lily Monteverde
- Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: GomBurZa
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence: When I Met You in Tokyo
- Best Screenplay: Angeli Atienza, Firefly
- Best Director: Pepe Diokno, GomBurZa
- Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo, Family of Two
- Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos, Mallari
- Best Actor: Cedrick Juan, GomBurZa
- Best Actress: Vilma Santos, When I Met You in Tokyo
- 4th Best Picture: When I Met You in Tokyo
- 3rd Best Picture: Mallari
- 2nd Best Picture: GomBurZa
- Best Picture: Firefly
The MMFF reported an increase in ticket sales compared to the previous year. While exact sales remain undisclosed, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and concurrent MMFF chairman Don Artes motioned his approval for this year’s rendition, mentioning that “all 10-film entries are quality and impressive.”
“Indeed, the MMFF 2023 is very much alive, and the enthusiasm of the moviegoers has returned,” he added.
