The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday,  disclosed the highly anticipated lineup for the 49th annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

These 10 films are set to hit screens from Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

During a press conference, Acting Chairman Don Artes and MMFF executive committee chairman Jesse Ejercito, leading the MMDA, unveiled the final six selections out of 36 completed film submissions, which include:

1. “When I Met You in Tokyo” (JG Productions) featuring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, Tirso Cruz 3rd, Darren Espanto, and Cassy Legaspi, scripted by Suzette Doctolero and directed by Rado Peru and Rommel Penza;

2. “Becky and Badette” (The IdeaFirst Company) starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang, written and directed by Jun Robles Lana;

3. “Mallari” (Mentorque and Clever Minds Inc.) starring Piolo Pascual, JC Santos, Elisse Joson, Janella Salvador, and Gloria Diaz, penned by Enrico Santos and directed by Derick Cabrido;

4. “Firefly” (GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs) featuring Alessandra de Rossi, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epi Quizon, Max Collins, and Dingdong Dantes, scripted by Angeli Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay;

5. “Broken Hearts Trip” (BMC Films in partnership with Smart Films) starring Christian Bables, Andoy Ranay, Teejay Marquez, and Iyah Mina, written by Lex Bonife and directed by Lem Lorca; and

6. “GomBurZa” (Jescom Films and MQuest Ventures) starring Piolo Pascual, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, and Jaime Fabregas, written by Rody Vera and directed by Pepe Diokno.

On July 10, the initial four official entries were announced, including “A Mother and Son’s Story” (Cineko Productions) starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards, written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario and directed by Nuel Naval; “(K)Ampon” (Quantum Films) starring Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzales, written by Do Dayao and directed by King Palisoc; “Penduko” (Sari Sari Network) starring Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes, written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana; “Rewind” (Star Cinema, APT Ent., Agosto Dos Media) starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, written by Joaquin Enrico Santos and directed by Mae Cruz Alviar.

These top four scripts were chosen based on the following criteria: 40 percent for artistic excellence, 40 percent for commercial appeal, 10 percent for Filipino cultural sensibility, and 10 percent for global appeal. The MMDA assured that approximately 800 cinemas nationwide have committed to showcasing the films during the festival.