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| For the first time in its history and amidst the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival will take place virtually via exclusive online streaming on UPSTREAM.PH in partnership with Globe Telecom and GMovies with ten movies of various genres that are sure to excite local movie buffs, young and old alike, in these challenging times. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Metro Manila Film Festival) |
Amidst the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, the 2020 edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will officially push through and it will continue to provide entertainment to Filipino movie fans during the challenging times as it will take place virtually through the festival's exclusive online streaming partner UPSTREAM owned by Dondon Monteverde's Sphere Entertainment Inc. in partnership with Globe Telecom's on-ground and online movie and event booking and ticketing platform GMovies.
Aside from going digital for the first time in its history, the MMFF has officially announced a wide and diverse lineup of ten movies, instead of the usual eight official entries, ranging from family drama, horror, action, thriller, romance, fantasy adventure to romantic comedy. These films to be showcased online were chosen based on artistic excellence (40%), commercial appeal (40%), Filipino cultural sensibility (10%) and global appeal (10%). With these in mind, here are the ten official entries for the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival.
* Magikland (fantasy, adventure) by Brightlight Productions and Gallaga Reyes Films - starring Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Alejo, Jun Urbano; directed by Christian Acuña
* Coming Home (family drama) by Maverick Films and ALV Films - starring Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Edgar Allan Guzman; directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.
* The Missing (horror) by Regal Entertainment - starring Joseph Marco, Ritz Azul, Miles Ocampo; directed by Easy Ferrer
* Tagpuan (romance) by Alternative Visions Productions - starring Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, Shaina Magdayao; directed by MacArthur Alejandre
* Isa Pang Bahaghari (family drama) by Heaven's Best Entertainment - starring Nora Aunor, Philip Salvador, Michael De Mesa; directed by Joel Lamangan
* Suarez: The Healing Priest (biopic) by Horseshoe Studios - starring John Arcilla, Alice Dixson; directed by Joven Tan
* Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim Ng Bandanang Itim (comedy) by Cineko Productions - starring Vhong Navarro, Barbie Imperial; directed by Topel Lee
* Pakboys Takusa (comedy) by Viva Films - starring Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla, Jerald Napoles, Andrew E.; directed by Al Tantay
* The Boy Foretold By The Stars (romantic comedy) by Clever Minds Inc. - starring Adrian Lindayag, Keann Johnson; directed by Dolly Dulu
* Fan Girl (drama) by Black Sheep Productions, Globe Studios, Project 8 Corner, San Joaquin Projects, Epic Media and Crossword Productions - starring Paulo Avelino, Charlie Dizon; directed by Antoinette Jadaone
Due to the challenges brought by the pandemic with social distancing measures in place, one is curious how the public can enjoy these films and recreate the wonderful tradition of the MMFF within the safe comforts of their home. Thankfully, the video streaming platform UPSTREAM can deliver the cherished tradition to Filipino homes wherever they are and may be in and out of the country. Movie buffs worldwide can stream their favorite MMFF films anytime from December 25, 2020 to January 7, 2021online on the transactional video-on-demand platform UPSTREAM (UPSTREAM.PH) for only Php250 which can be purchased via GMovies.
