MTRCB releases ratings for 10 MMFF films

 

With Christmas just around the corner, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has released its ratings for the 10 official entries of the highly anticipated 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), set to premiere on December 25, 2024.

 

Seven of the 10 films were rated fit for family viewing. The Board ensured that each film met the standards for age-appropriate content, aligning with the festival’s mission to celebrate Filipino creativity and storytelling.

 

“My Future You,” a romantic comedy starring Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, earned a G rating, suitable for all audiences.

 

Family drama films “And the Breadwinner is…” starring Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda and “Green Bones,” written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, were rated PG, which means viewers 13 years old or below must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.

 

Also rated PG are horror movie “Espantaho,” featuring Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino; romantic fantasy “Hold Me Close,” written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and starring Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto; action-adventure film “The Kingdom,” featuring Bossing Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual; and the musical “Isang Himala,” directed by Pepe Diokno and co-written with Ricky Lee.

 

Rated R-13 (Restricted-13) was given to “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” a horror film based on the 2018 Korean movie “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum.” The committee cited themes, language and violent scenes unsuitable for viewers aged 13 and below.

 

The psychological thriller “Uninvited,” starring Vilma Santos-Recto, Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre, earned an R-16 rating due to prolonged violence, torture, graphic scenes and strong themes unsuitable for children below 16 years old.

 

Meanwhile, the action-packed film “Topakk” (internationally titled “Triggered”) submitted two versions, which received a distinct age-appropriate classification from the MTRCB: R-16 and an R-18 versions, respectively. These dual classifications allow audiences to select the version most suitable for their age and maturity while ensuring responsible viewing.

 

MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto-Antonio expressed enthusiasm for this year’s MMFF lineup.

 

“The MTRCB is honored to collaborate with MMFF in showcasing the best of Filipino cinema,” she said. “These films, with their compelling narratives, not only entertain but also embody our cultural values and creativity.”

 

She added, “We encourage everyone to support local films. Each movie is crafted with care and is truly worth experiencing. The 50th MMFF is a celebration of the resilience and brilliance of the Philippine film industry.”

 

This year’s festival marks five decades of celebrating Philippine cinema, offering audiences a rich variety of genres and themes while fostering the growth of the local film industry.

 

“We extend our gratitude to producers, directors, artists, and MMFF organizers for their cooperation throughout the review process,” said Sotto-Antonio. “Rest assured that each film has been classified appropriately to ensure meaningful cinematic experiences for all viewers.”