The Philippines, known for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, has a lot of  holiday traditions—setting up lanterns, house-to-house festivities, noche buena, and watching the annual entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

As the threat of Covid-19 continues to loom in the country, some of our Christmas traditions will have to be put on hold. Luckily, the MMFF will continue to stream its 2020 entries online!

According to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Danilo Lim, the harsh effects of Covid-19 are even harder to bear without the MMFF entries that the Filipino people used to watch together during the holiday season.

“The film industry continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 but it should not dampen the Filipinos’ spirit of watching Filipino movies during the Christmas season. This year, we are bringing the MMFF tradition in every Filipino home not just here in the country but all over the world via digital screening for the first time,” he said.

Here are the 10 official entries for this year’s MMFF:

1.SUAREZ: THE HEALING PRIEST 

Father Fernando Suarez is a Filipino priest who practiced ‘faith healing’ in the country and abroad. Suarez was allegedly involved in cases such as monetary corruption, sexual molestation, and merchandising of religious articles for profit. 

Directed by Joven Tan, Suarez: The Healing Priest will explore the life led by Fr. Fernando.

2. MANG KEPWENG: ANG LIHIM NG BANDANANG ITIM

If you enjoyed hearing tales of Pinoy aswangs as a kid, you will enjoy watching Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim. 

Mang Kepweng (portrayed by Vhong Navarro) and his friends will embark on an adventure to revive the powers of his magical bandana to3 banish evil once and for all.

3. ISA PANG BAHAGHARI

A 65-year-old former seaman, who his family believed to be dead after his ship exploded off the coast of Mexico, returns to the Philippines to make amends. With the help of his ever-loyal gay friend, he perseveres to win his family’s heart and earn his children’s forgivenesss.

4. TAGPUAN

In the movie Tagpuan, Alfred Vargas plays the role of Allan, a successful businessman struggling to find meaning in life and love. He soon meets his ex-wife Agnes (Iza Calzado) and the two rekindle their relationship.

5. THE MISSING

Shot in the picturesque country of Japan, filmmaker Easy Ferrer’s The Missing will give us Christmas goosebumps.  The movie follows the characters of Ritz Azul, Joseph Marco, and Miles Ocampo as they explore mind-boggling rituals performed in Japanese ancestral houses.

 The Missing is the only horror film for MMFF 2020.

6. COMING HOME

The MMFF is not complete without that one film that centers on family dilemma. In Coming Home, filmmaker Adolfo Alix Jr. highlights the topic of infidelity, love, and acceptance. 

7. MAGIKLAND

Magikland is probably one of the most promising movies in the MMFF 2020 line up. This family-friendly movie directed by Christian Acuña, is filled with adventure and animation. 

8. PAKBOYS: TAKUSA

Al Tantay’s Pakboys: Takusa made rounds online after it was criticized for having a transphobic scene. The story follows four married middle-aged men who have illicit affairs with other women while being afraid of their wives.

9. FANGIRL

Antoinette Jadaone’s Fangirl follows Paulo Avelino (who will play himself) and Jane (Charlie Dizon) whose extreme passion for the actor brings her to sneak behind his pick-up truck.

10. THE BOY FORETOLD BY THE STARS

The Boy Foretold By The Stars, is the First Filipino BL movie official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival.

This romantic-comedy film follows the characters played by young actors Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson, who meet at their all-boys school’s retreat.

All 10  films of the MMFF2020 will be made available by UPSTREAM in the Philippines and internationally from December 25, 2020 to January 7, 2021.