Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) officially kicked off preparations for its 2026 edition by unveiling its first four official entries and announcing a lower ticket price aimed at attracting more moviegoers.
During the 2026 MMFF kickoff event held Tuesday, July 7, at GH Mall in San Juan, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando Artes announced that movie tickets for all participating cinemas during the 52nd MMFF this December will be capped at ₱299.
Artes said cinemas may charge less than ₱299 but will not be allowed to exceed the prescribed price cap. The move comes as ticket prices have long been cited as one of the reasons for declining audience turnout in previous editions of the annual film festival.
Organizers also unveiled the first four official entries competing in this year’s MMFF.
Leading the initial lineup is “The Greatest Showdown,” which marks the first film collaboration between comedy icons Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto. Produced by Star Cinema, the movie brings the two box-office stars together on the big screen for the first time.
Joining the lineup is “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” the sequel to the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean family drama Miracle in Cell No. 7. The film is expected to see the return of Aga Muhlach, who starred in the original alongside Xia Vigor.
Also announced was “Amir,” a GMA Pictures production starring Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras as a father and son struggling to survive. According to GMA News, the film also features Will Ashley and Glaiza de Castro and is directed by award-winning filmmaker Zig Dulay.
Completing the first batch is “Haunted Carnival,” Regal Films’ horror entry directed by Joey De Guzman. The film stars Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano, James Reid, and John Arcilla.
More official entries are expected to be announced in the coming months as the lineup for the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival continues to take shape.
Held annually during the Christmas season, the MMFF exclusively showcases Filipino films in cinemas nationwide. It remains one of the country’s biggest celebrations of local filmmaking and a major holiday box-office event.
The MMFF is held annually during the Christmas season, with participating local films exclusively screened in Philippine cinemas throughout the festival. It remains one of the country’s biggest celebrations of Filipino filmmaking, drawing families and moviegoers during the holiday period.
