Mc Richard Paglicawan
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) revealed its lineup for 2023, and it includes ten entries instead of the traditional eight.
While the selected films are generating excitement, some notable movies, including Nadine Lustre’s ‘Nokturno,’ were conspicuously absent.
The MMFF Selection Committee chose six additional films to join the four entries announced earlier this year.
These new entries are:
- ‘When I Met You in Tokyo’ – A romance film starring Christopher de Leon and Vilma Santos, directed by Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa, and Christopher de Leon.
- ‘Becky and Badette’ – A comedy starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang, directed by Jun Robles Lana.
- ‘Mallari’ – A horror film starring Piolo Pascual and Janelle Salvador, directed by Derrick Cabrido.
- ‘Firefly’ – A fantasy film starring Alessandra de Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell, directed by Zig Dulay.
- ‘Broken Hearts Trip’ – A comedy starring Christian Bables, Andoy Ranay, and Teejay Marquez, directed by Emuel Lorca.
- ‘Gomburza’ – A historical film starring Enchong Dee and Cedrick Juan, directed by Pepe Diokno.
The absence of ‘Nokturno’ from the official list of entries surprised fans. ‘Nokturno’ was highly anticipated due to its reunion of Nadine Lustre with director Mikhail Red, following their successful 2022 MMFF entry ‘Deleter.’ Some fans have described the film’s omission as a “snub.”
Grabe dami na disappoint kaya trending,nokturno p nman inaabangan ko sa MMFF na makapasok kaya lang waley huhuhu, panonoodin ko pa din to kahit hindi nakapasok#BeaBinene#WilbertRoss#Na https://t.co/qYJWlUDDtx
— Jhenny15 (@DasigJenny9982) October 17, 2023
Yong nakaabang na Ako sa MMFF #Nokturno tpos Hindi pla nakasali nasaan ang hustisya.pero ok lang papanoorin ko pa rin once pinalabas yan nokturno for the win.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/RDoXx0NAoA
— Katarina (@merced_nel) October 17, 2023
nokturno starring nadine lustre not being on the list of movies for mmff 2023 is just foul and homophobic like sorry, respect her for single-handedly carrying mmff last year.
— migo (@wymfreestyle) October 17, 2023
MMFF snubbed Nadine’s Nokturno, Enrique Gil’s Big Bird, Joshua Garcia’s Fruitcake, Donny’s GG, and Shake Rattle & Roll.
Despite expanding the MMFF to 10 entries. Tsk tsk tsk#MMFF#MMFF2023
— Jesus Falcis (@jesusfalcis) October 17, 2023
Last year, Nadine Lustre carried MMFF with a topgrosser on her back solely by her name and Deleter became the highest grossing Filipino film post pandemic. If #MMFF2023 feels that ain’t enough for a slot, it’s not Nokturno’s task to remind what they passed on. Oh well. Move on. pic.twitter.com/j0QtGZqucs
— Nicol (@nikowl) October 17, 2023
MMFF Overall Chairman Don Artes addressed these omissions, emphasizing that the selected entries speak for themselves. He added that the selection process was based on specific criteria and that the judging was fair.
The MMFF Selection Committee reviewed 30 finished film submissions before making their selections. The committee aimed to offer a diverse range of genres to cater to various moviegoers. The MMFF is currently in discussions with cinema operators to accommodate the increased number of entries, aiming to screen in over 800 cinemas this year, a significant increase from the previous year.
The 2023 MMFF will take place from December 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, featuring ten films selected for their quality and appeal.
