The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has unveiled the final four entries, completing the “Magic 8” film lineup for its 52nd edition this December.
The films were officially announced at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City on Monday, Oct. 12, during an event hosted by Enchong Dee and Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson.
The four newly announced entries are “Los Salvajes Bravos”, “Little Hope”, “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo”, and Perfect Marriage.
“Los Salvajes Bravos” is a historical film based on real events set in 1887. It stars Romnick Sarmenta and Ruru Madrid, is directed by Paolo Dy, and is produced by JesCom Films.
Meanwhile, Yassi Pressman and Pepe Herrera team up in “Little Hope”, an emotional family drama directed by Benedict Mique and produced by Lonewolf Films.
The seventh entry, “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF”, is a documentary about the life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo in Basilan, chronicling his captivity and death as a martyr. Actor Zaijian Jaranilla is set to play the lead role in the film.
Rounding out the lineup is “Perfect Marriage”, which reunites Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. The film follows the pair as they navigate love, loss, and parenthood under the direction of Dan Villegas.
The latest announcement follows the unveiling of the first four entries in July: “The Greatest Showdown”, topbilled by comedy icons Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto; “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7”, the sequel to the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean family drama; GMA Pictures’ fantasy-drama “Amir”, starring Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras; and “Haunted Carnival”, featuring Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, and John Arcilla.
The initial entries were also reintroduced during Monday’s event, with members of their casts and representatives present.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando Artes previously said that movie tickets at participating cinemas for the 52nd MMFF will be capped at ₱299 this December.
Artes said cinemas may offer tickets at lower prices but will not be allowed to exceed the prescribed ceiling. The measure aims to make festival screenings more accessible to moviegoers, as ticket prices have been cited as one of the factors affecting audience turnout in previous editions.
Held annually during the Christmas season, the MMFF showcases Filipino films in participating cinemas nationwide throughout the festival period. It remains one of the country’s major celebrations of local filmmaking, drawing families and moviegoers during the holidays.
