The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and its 10 official entries are gearing up for the much-anticipated release of their films on December 25, Christmas Day. However, with the festival just around the corner, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the annual implementer and organizer of the MMFF, has issued a warning about the proliferation of fake festival passes and tickets, particularly online.
MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes emphasized the risks involved in purchasing these illegal tickets. “You will just lose money in buying those. Our cinema passes have security features, and cinema operators are familiar with them. If someone presents a fake ticket, they will be easily apprehended. Instead of enjoying the MMFF, they might find themselves facing legal consequences,” Artes cautioned during the MMFF Auditorium inauguration on Thursday.
In response to public pleas for lower MMFF ticket prices to make the festival more accessible, Artes explained that ticket prices depend on the location and type of cinema. However, he assured the public that nationwide, the average ticket prices are around P300, except for special movie houses. Artes also acknowledged that the MMDA does not have the authority to set prices, as it is a business decision made by theater owners and producers, who share the earnings of the movies among themselves. Nevertheless, Artes expressed the MMDA’s commitment to initiating a dialogue with them through the MMFF.
Artes emphasized the importance of the public’s support for the upcoming MMFF and the exceptional films in the lineup this year. He stated, “We are really asking for the full support of the moviegoing public in this upcoming MMFF. May this be the kickstart we need to bring back the energy of Philippine cinema.”
In addition to watching the MMFF entries, Artes invited the public to join the upcoming Parade of Stars, which is set to take place on Saturday, December 16. This year’s parade is touted as the biggest edition in MMFF history, as it will pass through four cities for the first time.
The parade will commence at 2 p.m. at the Navotas Centennial Park and will traverse C4, Samson Road, and McArthur Highway before culminating at the Valenzuela People’s Park, where the main event will be held. Covering a total distance of 8.7 kilometers, the parade is expected to take approximately three hours.
The MMFF and MMDA encourage everyone to join in the festivities and celebrate the vibrant Philippine cinema. Let us all support the MMFF by purchasing legitimate tickets and participating in the Parade of Stars, making this year’s festival a resounding success.
Source: The Manila Times
