KABISERA

The closest thing to a “traditional” MMFF drama, Kabisera features Superstar Nora Aunor as Mercy, a woman who is forced to take the reins as the head of her family following the untimely passing of her husband, played by Ricky Davao. Originally conceived for the 2015 MMFF, Kabisera’s tale of a matriarch seeking to learn the truth about her slain mate has taken on new layers of meaning in light of recent events. With Aunor anchoring a star-studded cast, Kabisera is a showcase for the veteran’s talents as she depicts a variety of emotions across slices of typical Filipino family life that stand in stark contrast to the tragedy threatening to tear them all apart.

VINCE AND KATH AND JAMES

Joshua Garcia (Pinoy Big Brother), Julia Barretto (TV’s And I Love You So), and Ronnie Alonte (who is also in Seklusyon) star as the titular characters in this adaptation of the hit web series that told an entire love story through chat screens. Vince (Garcia) is an electrical engineering student in love with Kath (Barretto), yet is unable to express himself in person. Seeking out the help of his cousin James (Alonte), things get complicated when the three find themselves in an unforeseen love triangle. Witty, heartwarming, and with no shortage of charm, Vince and Kath and James is a delight.

BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK 2

The sequel to 2011’s hit satire of pretentious filmmaking, Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 goes all in, slicing the notion of blockbuster rom-coms to shreds. The incomparable Eugene Domingo returns as the exaggerated screen version of herself, along with most of the original cast (minus JM de Guzman), while adding Jericho Rosales and Joel Torre to the ensemble for good measure as they try to make the rom-com to end all rom-coms. Naturally, meta hijinks ensue before a single frame is shot. The film builds on the good will of its predecessor, adding dimension to the returning characters, while Torre and Rosales gamely skewer their big screen images for maximum comedic effect.

SAVING SALLY

If you were to look up the definition of “labor of love”, there would be a picture of Saving Sally director Avid Liongoren and his collaborators. Mixing live action and 2D animation, Saving Sally was made across twelve years, five animators, and two leading ladies, resulting in every frame serving as a testament to the filmmakers’ creative spirit. The film stars Enzo Marcos as Marty, a comic-book artist in love with the titular Sally (Rhian Ramos) after she saves him from a bully, but unable to express his feelings in words. Complicating matters is her relationship with a stereotypical alpha male (who is depicted in a less-than-flattering, yet no-less accurate manner). But honestly, when a movie’s official synopsis describes it as “a typical teen film about love, monsters, and gadgets,” the best thing you can do is head on out and see it. Definitely worth the wait.

Which of these MMFF entries are you planning on seeing? Tell us about them below!

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