5. Student shorts/animated section

Any venue to showcase works from student filmmakers and other short-form content is a welcome opportunity, and the MMFF, given the scope of its audience is no exception. Student shorts began joining the festival in 2011, while animated shorts were accepted starting 2013.

6. The “New Wave” section

The indie versus mainstream debate has went on for years, but one undeniable fact is that the MMFF New Wave section, introduced in 2010, has given us lots of memorable and thought-provoking films, such as Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Presa,” Jerrold Tarog’s “Senior Year,” Alvin Yapan’s “Mga Anino ng Kahapon,” Will Fredo’s “In Nomine Matris,” Zig Dulay’s “M. Mother’s Maiden Name,” Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Magkakabaung,” Carlo Catu’s “Ari: My Life with a King” and John Paul Su’s “Toto.” At present, the MMFF has abolished the New Wave section, but we hope smaller films such as these get to have access to wider audiences, so more producers and filmmakers will continue telling brave, challenging stories.

7. “Honor Thy Father” and the 2015 MMFF brouhaha

Erik Matti’s “Honor Thy Father” is a brave social commentary on religion and capitalism, featuring John Lloyd Cruz stripped from his charming good guy romcom image. Its non-inclusion for the Best Picture category caused a firestorm of debate about the inner workings of the festival, which led to a Senate inquiry and eventually producing this last but not the least item…

8. The 2016 MMFF

The 2016 edition of the MMFF is groundbreaking for so many reasons. First, it focused on fresh, innovative stories and storytelling rather than star quality and spectacle. Second, it is the first edition where a documentary, “Sunday Beauty Queen” was accepted as an official entry, even winning Best Picture. Then, it reminded us that the forces that be can be shaken and challenged. For the first time, we actually heard people say that they can watch the complete lineup of the MMFF without feeling sorry for their wallet. That alone is an achievement for Philippine cinema.

MMFF2016 WAS LEGIT “FILM FESTIVAL” – PEOPLE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE STORY, THE ACTORS, THE FILM AS A WHOLE. HINDI KUNG ANONG FILM ANG KUMITA pic.twitter.com/L2vBvYcFL2

— Real Jhon Castillon (@ReJhCastillon) July 1, 2017

mmff 2016, sana ikaw na lang, ikaw na lang ulit. :((

— Kelsey Hadjirul (@heyooitskelsey) July 1, 2017

The 2016 MMFF is commendable for being bold enough to take risks – for understanding the true essence of quality filmmaking.

— Lanze Malicse (@lanzemalicse) June 30, 2017

7/8 Still have to catch Sunday Beauty Queen but so far, #MMFF2016 pic.twitter.com/UEXZkpAGUF

— ram. (@ramdelossantos) January 9, 2017

The decision to see all 8 MMFF entries was actually inspired by you Heneral @IrishDDizon #MMFF2016 pic.twitter.com/PCp3kEVP24

— veryroel (@veryroel) January 7, 2017

Ngayon lang naman ako nanood ng MMFF na after ng mga movies pumapalakpak yung tao. #mmff2016

— Vince Espinosa (@conVINCEro) January 7, 2017

#MMFF2016 is the reason why we should never give up on Philippine Cinema. Our local filmmakers need our support and love. Congrats, MMFF! 🙌

— Isaiah Arellano (@IsaiahXArellano) January 7, 2017

What was your favorite MMFF moment? Share it with us below!

Pages: 1 2