Vice Ganda, Alex Gonzaga, and Joshua Garcia Not Part of MMFF 2020 Anymore

Due to “multiple reasons”, as clarified by the festival organizers, ‘Praybeyt Benjamin’, ‘Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan’, and The Exorcism of Siszum’ is not part of the festival anymore.

The film industry in the Philippines has much to contend with because of the pandemic. With the looming threat of streaming services actually replacing going to an actual cinema, the medium that used to make traditional producers and filmmakers shirk, actually gave films which were pulled out of cinemas in less than a week due to poor box offices sales, a chance to shine.

This digital edition of MMFF 2020 will give the films a very equal footing since there will be no “first day, last day” pullouts. It can all be viewed via Upstream at one’s own time. Just register to Upstream via GMovies website and choose what film you want. Payment options are GCash and via credit card.

So, here are the official entries ranked by yours truly according to what this writer think are more substantial based on the genre, available supplementary materials (synopsis, trailer, etc.), track record of the production company and filmmaker, and the quality of the cast members.

‘Isa Pang Bahaghari’

Production company: Heaven’s Best Entertainment

Genre: Family Drama

Cast: Nora Aunor, Michael de Mesa, Philip Salvador, Sanya Lopez, Zanjoe Marudo

Director: Joel Lamangan

Magikland’

Production company: Brightlight Leisure Productions Inc./Gallaga Reyes Films

Genre: Fantasy Adventure Film

Cast: Jun Urbano, Migs Cuaderno, Elijah Aleto

Director: Christian Acuna

‘The Boy Foretold By The Stars’

Production company: Clever Minds Inc

Genre: BL Drama

Cast: Adrian Lindayag, Keann Johnson

Director: Dolly Dulu

‘Fan Girl’

Production company: Epicmedia, Project 8, Globe Studios, Black Sheep

Genre: Drama

Cast: Paolo Avelino, Charlie Dizon

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

‘Tagpuan’

Production company: Alternative Visions

Genre: Drama, Romance

Cast: Iza Calzado, Shaina Magdayao, Alfred Vargas

Director: Mac Alejandre

‘The Missing’

Production company: Regal Entertainment

Genre: Horror

Cast: Ritz Azul, Miles Ocampo, Joseph Marco

Director: Easy Ferrer

‘Suarez: The Healing Priest’

Production company: Horse Shoe Studios

Genre: Religion, Drama

Cast: John Arcilla, Dante Rivero

Director: Joven Tan

‘Mang Kepweng, Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim’

Production company: Cineko Productions

Genre: Fantasy Comedy

Cast: Vhong Navarro, Barbie Imperial, Ryan Bang

Director: Topel Lee

‘Pakboys: Takusa’

Production company: Viva Films

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Andrew E, Dennis Padilla, Janno Gibbs, Jerald Napoles

Director: Al Tantay