MMFF extends theatrical run as post-holiday demand boosts ticket sales

The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has extended its screenings until Jan. 14 following a surge in audience turnout after the holidays.

- By PATRICIA DELA ROCA

The annual filmfest was supposed to end last Jan. 7.

In a TV interview, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes affirmed that the festival remains a “success,” despite posting a significant decline in overall gross compared to last year’s festival.

According to reports, the 51st edition of the MMFF fell short by P100 million in total ticket sales versus the previous edition.

However, he noted that box-office performance improved significantly after the holiday break, generating higher demand and stronger ticket sales for most of the festival’s eight official entries.

Though they didn't release any official figures, Artes proudly noted that for the first time in the history of the filmfest, seven out of the eight entries surpassed the eight-digit mark in gross receipts.

“Kaya ko nasabi na successful, kasi seven out of eight movies lumampas sa eight digits yung gross receipts nila, which is first time na nangyari. During the previous years, isa o dalawa lang ang eight digits, tapos yung iba pababa na,” he said.