The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been extended until January 14 due to strong public demand and higher post-New Year box-office grosses compared to last year, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes announced.
“After the New Year, compared to last year, the daily gross of the MMFF51 films has gone up,” Artes said, confirming that the extension includes the use of MMFF Season Passes.
MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer credited the rise in ticket sales to positive word of mouth and the return of audiences after the holidays.
“The festival’s lineup has been a major draw, with seven out of eight MMFF movies reaching the eight-digit mark in gross receipts (some even surpassing it), a remarkable achievement that underscores the festival’s ability to deliver films that resonate with audiences,” he said.
Despite challenges from adverse weather and calamities during production, MMFF 2025 produced the year’s highest-grossing Filipino film, highlighting the resilience of local filmmakers.
Ferrer noted the festival’s tradition of showcasing the best of Philippine cinema, even as criticism persists over high ticket prices.
Artes confirmed that 7 of the 8 entries earned eight-digit grosses, including “Bar Boys After School,” “Call Me Mother,” “I’mPerfect,” “Love You So Bad,” “Manila’s Finest,” “Rekonek,” “Shake Rattle and Roll Evil Origins,” and “UnMarry.”