Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said the agency is set to “seriously revisit” the ticket prices of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries, amid concerns that high costs are discouraging audiences from going to cinemas.
In a press briefing on January 5, Artes noted the need to “try a new formula” to balance affordability with production and cinema expenses.
“May mga previous discussions naman with CEAP or Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines na nagma-may ari ng mga sinehan. Hindi pa lang namin naupuan in the past years,” Artes said.
“But now, seriously, considering na i-request sa kanila short of mandating na irevisit ang presyo ng sine. Maybe this time, we have to try a new formula,” he added.
Artes suggested that lowering ticket prices could increase audience volume, though he emphasized it remains a “business decision” for cinema owners.
“Baka ang ibabawas sa ticket price ay makuha in terms of volume, so pag-aaralan namin ‘yan,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a business decision on the part of the cinema owners dahil alam naman natin may maintenance costs, investment, at may operating costs. Pag-usapan namin seriously.”
The MMDA is expected to continue talks with cinema exhibitors to explore adjustments that could make the festival more accessible to the public.