December 25. A year ago, on this specific day, people are already flocking to malls. Families and friends are falling in line as early as 8 in the morning to catch the first time slot of the MMFF movie they plan to watch. And for two weeks, until the first few days of January, cinemas are only allowed to show these Filipino movies. People don’t complain, though, since most have always been looking forward to this once in a year event.
MMFF movies have been a part of the Filipino Christmas celebration for many years. And so, when COVID-19 happened, people are quick to wonder; will the film festival still push through? As you may have already known, yes. Despite cinema houses not being operational, you can still enjoy this year’s MMFF movie entries in the comfort of your home.
Here are the ten most awaited films you can watch during the festival.
Coming Home
Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., Coming Home is a drama movie revolving around struggles, forgiveness, and acceptance within the family.
After raising her kids on her own, Salve’s dream is to see her kids live a happy life. At her daughter Sally’s wedding, she thought that everything is going well after her children have given tribute to her. However, as they arrived home, a surprise awaits them. Her husband, who left her for another woman, was at their door.
Will they accept him back?
Fan Girl
What will happen if your obsession with your idol changes your perception of him? Fan Girl talks about why you should never meet your heroes.
Because she was obsessed with Paulo Avelino, a high school fangirl found herself hiding in the actor’s pick-up truck, leading her to his home. There, in an unfamiliar place, she found out that the idol she thought she knew is a different person.
Isa Pang Bahaghari
Starring Nora Aunor and Philipp Salvador, Isa Pang Bahaghari is a story of a seaman who was already presumed dead, tries to come back to the country and reconcile with his family.
Magikland
Magikland needs saving. This movie revolves around how four kids try to save the fantasy world, Magikland, on Christmas eve.
Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim Ng Bandanang Itim
Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim is a sequel of the 2017 film Mang Kepweng Returns. This fantasy-horror-comedy film starring Vhong Navarro shows how a group of friends will embark on an adventure to complete the needed ingredients to bring back the red bandana’s powers to fight the engkanto with the black bandana.
Pakboys: Takusa
Although they are already married, four men keep on seeing other girls that are not obviously their wives. Their wives try to catch them countless times but the boys always find some smart ways to hide their cheating. Will they ever get caught?
Suarez: The Healing Priest
Based on the true to life story of Fernando Suarez, this biopic revolves around how a priest started healing people. Despite his issues with the Church, Father Suarez still continued with his mission ‘till his last breath.
Tagpuan
Tagpuan talks about how three disconnected people try to find solace in each other’s company. In a world where survival and home is not something easily acquired, how will these three people find the love they deserve?
The Boy Foretold By The Stars
The first-ever BL film in the country, The Boy Foretold By The Stars is a romantic comedy movie about two senior high school students who through the help of a fortune-teller, find themselves at a school retreat called Journey with the Lord.
The Missing
The only horror entry this MMFF 2020, The Missing revolves around an architect who found herself being haunted after working on a 100-year-old house in Japan.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to these films during the holidays without the need to go out. Catch these films on December 25 at various online platforms. Remember, Christmas is a joyous occasion but we should still stay safe during this pandemic.