The much-awaited Summer MMFF debut is not happening this year because of rising COVID-19 infections.
SUMMER MMFF – The Philippines reached the 900k-mark of COVID-19 infection and because of the surge, Summer MMFF will not debut this year.
Last Thursday, April 15, the Philippines logged 11,429 new COVID-19 cases bringing a total of 904,285 cases where 183,527 are active or currently sick. The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 148 new deaths giving a total of 15,594 death toll. Experts of the Octa Research team estimated that the country may hit 1 million by the end of April and more people from the virus epicenter, which is the Metro Manila, have been dying due to the virus.
(See: OCTA Group Calls for Stricter Quarantine Measures for Returning Filipinos, Tourists)
And because of the COVID-19 surge, the supposed debut this year of the first summer Metro Manila Film Festival has been cancelled. This is after President Duterte’s announcement last March 12 regarding the community quarantine in Metro Manila. The MMFF said in the statement:
In light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and health emergency, the SUMMER METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL is hereby postponed.
We’ll keep you posted for more updates in the coming days.
Thank you!
The film festival is supposed to be held this April with the following entries:
1. A HARD DAY
Featuring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla
Directed by Lawrence Fajardo
2. TAGPUAN
Featuring Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, and Shaina Magdayao
Directed by McArthur Alejandre
3. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE
Featuring Alex Gonzaga, Xian Lim, and Kylie Verzosa
Directed by RC Delos Reyes
4. ISA PANG BAHAGHARI
Featuring Nora Aunor, Philip Salvador, and Michael De Mesa
Directed by Joel Lamangan
5. LOVE OR MONEY
Featuring Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban
Directed by Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar
6. COMING HOME
Featuring Jinggoy Estrada and Sylvia Sanchez
Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.
7. NGAYON KAYA
Featuring Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierez
Directed by Prime Cruz
8. THE MISSING
Featuring Joseph Marco, Ritz Azul, and Miles Ocampo
Directed by Easy Ferrer
According to MMFF EXECOM, they will instead focus on the holiday film festival with the deadlines below:
- Submission of letter of intent: June 30
- Submission of finished film entries, including trailers, behind-the-scenes footage: September 3 (early bird), September 30 (regular deadline)
- Announcement of eight official entries: October 15
READ ALSO:
- MMFF 2020 Winners: Complete List Of Winners Of This Year’s MMFF
- MMFF 2020 Movies: Here’s Official Lineup For This Year’s MMFF
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