THE METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF) festival organizers held a “MMFF Zoom Roadshow” with celebrities to invite Filipinos from all over the world to watch this year’s line-up of films.

Zanjoe Marudo, Charlie Dizon, Keann Johnson, Andrew E, Ritz Azul, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Julia Estrada, Fumiya and Yamyam kicked off the online roadshow together with Presidential Communications Operations Office Director Pebbles Duque who hosted the online event. OFWs from Hawaii, the UK, Australia, UAE, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hong Kong attended the roadshow. The participants were also given a short demo on how to watch the MMFF films via Upstream, the newest transactional video-on-demand (VOD) platform, and GMovies.

The 46th edition of the MMFF opens on Dec. 25and runs until Jan. 7, 2021. This year, the MMFF has 10 official entries, two more than the usual eight entries. This year the titles cover a wider range of genres:

Joel Lamangan’s Isa Pang Bahaghari is an LGBTQ-themed family drama about an OFW (played by Phillip Salvador) returning home to reconnect with his estranged wife (Nora Aunor) and children (Zanjoe Marudo, Joseph Marco, and Sanya Lopez).

Another LGBTQ-themed film in the roster is The Boy Foretold by the Stars, produced by Clever Minds, Inc., starring Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson, who portray high school classmates whose friendship is tested when their feelings towards each other evolve.

For those who enjoy a good scare, Easy Ferrer’s The Missing is set in a haunted house in Japan. Produced by Regal Entertainment, the film features Joseph Marco, Ritz Azul and Miles Ocampo.

Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandang Itim is a horror-comedy. Produced by Cineko Productions and directed by Topel Lee, the film stars Vhong Navarro, Ritz Azul, Benjie Paras, Joross Gamboa, Ryan Bang and Ion Perez.

Al Tantay’s Pakboys: Takusa is another comedy. Produced by Viva Entertainment, the film focuses on the infidelity of comedians Andrew E., Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla, and Jerald Napoles.

Then there is Christian Acuña’s fantasy-adventure, Magikland. Produced by Peque Gallaga, Lore Reyes, and Brightlight Leisure Productions, the film features a young cast including Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Alejo, Joshua Eugenio, and Princess Aguilar.

Viewers can also expect a bit of romance with Mac Alejandre’s Tagpuan. This movie features a love triangle starring Iza Calzado, Alfred Vargas, and Shaina Magdayao. Written by Ricky Lee and shot in Hong Kong and New York, the film is produced by Alternative Vision Cinema.

Those who enjoy true stories might like Suarez, The Healing Priest. Directed by Joven Tan, the film is based on the life of Father Fernando Suarez. Produced by Saranggola Media Productions, the film stars John Arcilla, Dante Rivero, and Jin Macapagal.

Fresh from glowing reviews from its Japan and Estonia premieres, Fan Girl, the latest film from Antoinette Jadaone, is about every fan girl’s fantasy of spending a night with their idol. This was produced by ABS-CBN Films’ Black Sheep Productions, Globe Studios, Project 8, Epicmedia, and Crossword Productions, with performances from newcomer Charlie Dizon and award-winning actor Paulo Avelino, who plays himself.

Lastly, OFWs are represented by Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s Coming Home. Produced by Maverick Films, this is a drama about an OFW father (Jinggoy Estrada) who comes home to his unwelcoming family. The film also features Sylvia Sanchez, Edgar Allan Guzman, Martin del Rosario, Shaira Diaz, Vin Abrenica, Julian Estrada, and Jake Ejercito.

Through a partnership with Upstream and Globe’s GMovies, the MMFF is bringing this year’s festival online via Upstream in partnership with GMovies. The films can be viewed for P250 per title ($10 for Filipinos abroad).

Tickets are already on sale locally, and will be available internationally on Dec. 18.

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