Orbos: Coming MMFF about ‘changing norm’

Even if it won’t repeat the commercial success of previous years, the coming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) should be celebrated for “changing the norm” and encouraging producers to come up with “artistic films,” according to the official on top of the preparations.

“Anything we need to do to become better needs some adjustments. I think we should give the new set of films a chance,” MMDA general manager Tim Orbos told reporters in an interview.

On Nov. 18, the MMFF Executive Committee announced the eight films that made the cut this year. None of them included the blockbuster franchises that have been common fare in the festival timed with the holidays.

Critics said the absence of crowd-drawing flicks would drive down  revenues. Last year, the MMFF earned P1.2 billion in ticket sales.

“Every year, [the committee] tries to surpass [the previous earnings]. Hopefully we make the mark. But even without it, I think we are already successful in coming out with these artistic Filipino films,” Orbos said.

“Nowadays, change is inevitable and this is one example,” Orbos said. “This is also in response (to viewers clamoring for) films with social relevance.”

The MMDA chief called on producers and artists to stop bickering, especially on social media. “We must move forward.”

The 42nd MMFF opens on Christmas day.