THE 44TH EDITION of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival opens in theaters nationwide on Dec. 25 and runs until Jan. 7, 2019. Here’s a guide to the “Magic 8 lineup” in this year’s festival.

Aurora


IN this horror/thriller directed by Yam Laranas (The Road, Patient X) and starring Anne Curtis-Smith, a ship called Aurora sink near in Batanes, and most of the bodies have yet to be recovered. Leana, an island dweller, starts to look for bodies as they wash up on the shore and soon ghosts begin to haunt the island. The film also starts Lou Veloso, Marco Gumabao, and Allan Paule.
MTRCB Rating: PG

Fantastica: The Prince, the Princess, and the Perya


TO AVOID the closing of their carnival, a family seeks help from magical creatures. Directed by Barry Gonzales, the stars Vice Ganda, Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Bela Padilla, Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Maymay Entrata.
MTRCB Rating: PG

Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles


A team of “puliscredibles” — Jack, Em, and Popoy — prevent crimes within their area. Directed by Michael Tuviera, the film stars Vic Sotto, Coco Martin, and Maine Mendoza.
MTRCB Rating: PG

Mary, Marry Me


MARY ANNE and Pete are planning their wedding — but things get awkward when their wedding planner, who happens to be Mary Anne’s sister, gets in the way of the couples’ relationship. Directed by RC Delos Reyes, the film stars Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga, and Sam Milby.
MTRCB Rating: PG

One Great Love


ZYRA gives her relationship with Carl another chance, but she finds herself doubting her life choices. The situation gets complicated when she meets Ian, a heart doctor who becomes her confidante. Directed by Eric Quizon, the film stars Dennis Trillo, Kim Chui, and JC de Vera.
MTRCB Rating: PG

OTLUM


A GROUP of friends dare each other to stay in an abandoned orphanage. Directed by Jovinor Tan, this horror film stars Ricci Rivero, Jerome Ponce, and Michelle Vito.
MTRCB Rating: PG

Rainbow’s Sunset


THIS family drama revolves around the reactions in a family when the elderly father confesses to his children that he is in love with his best friend. Directed by Joel Lamangan, the film stars Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero, Tony Mabesa, Tirso Cruz III, Max Collins, and Sunshine Dizon.
MTRCB Rating: PG

The Girl in the Orange Dress


ANNA wakes up in bed with a famous actor in a five-star hotel but is unable to recall what happened the previous evening. Anna then has to escape the media frenzy caused by their one night stand. Directed by Jay Abello, the film stars Jericho Rosales and Jessy Mendiola.
MTRCB Rating: PG

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR