Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 pushes through online

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is still pushing through this year, albeit online amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer announced the news on Instagram Thursday, confirming that the annual film festival will push through online with the help of a “worldwide streaming service” partner.

“Pinakamalaking balita na magiging ONLINE na ang MMFF sa taong ito at i-aannounce sa susunod na mga araw ang magiging ka-partner na worldwide streaming service ng mga entries ensuring that the biggest, the most popular and the longest running Filipino film festival will be happening everywhere - recreating happy traditions, and experiencing MMFF beyond-the-movies - together with the whole family,” Ferrer wrote.

Acknowledging the challenges of shooting films nowadays, Ferrer said that the deadline for finished film submissions have been moved from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15.

Meanwhile, the deadline for finished films based on approved scripts will be moved from Oct. 31 to Nov. 30.

“Dahil sa ONLINE distribution - mas maraming Pilipino ang makakapanood ng mga pelikula -pero isang major na kunsiderasyon ang pag-iwas sa piracy na natugunan naman ng magiging partner ng MMFF at i-aannounce sa mga darating na araw!!!” he wrote.

“Tuloy ang Pasko at tuluy na tuloy ang MMFF ngayong Pasko!!! Magkikita-kita tayo ONLINE!!!” he added.

In July, MMFF revealed the first four official entries in this year’s competition.

The film festival, headed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is traditionally held every year during the Christmas season. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News