10 Movies You Need to Know for The Manila International Film Festival in LA
Written By Niko Del Rey
The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is coming back to Los Angeles, California at the TCL Chinese Theaters and the Directors Guild of America, this January 29th to February 2nd. The screenings will comprise of the 10 film entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Grab your popcorn and take a seat, the previews are starting for our 10 movies you need to know for the Manila International Film Festival.
1. When I Met You in Tokyo
Starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, When I Met You in Tokyo, is a love story about Joey (De Leon) falling in love at an older age with Azon (Santos), only to discover that their love is short-lived after a few blissful years as Azon battles and age-related debilitating disease.
2. Becky and Badette
A comedy about two longtime best friends, each aiming to become a popular musician and actress, respectively. Becky (Eugene Domingo) and Badette (Pokwang) go viral at their high school reunion and unexpectedly have an opportunity for fame. Tired of their old lives, will they endanger their lifelong friendship for stardom or will friendship win in the end?
3. Family of Two
Many reviewers claim that Family of Two brought fond memories of their relationship with their own mothers and caused them to call home immediately after the movie was done. The story of Maricar (Sharon Cuneta) whose world revolves around her son, Mateo (Alden Richards) When Mateo is moving to Singapore to pursue his career ambition and his girlfriend, he devised a plan to find a good man who can look after her mother while he is gone.
4. Mallari
Inspired by a true story in the 1800s, Mallari is a horrific story of Fr. Severino Mallari (Piolo Pascual), a 19th century priest during the Spanish occupation and his descent into madness. It recounts Mallari's life where he reportedly murdered 57 people to aid his ailing mother.
5. Rewind
Starring real life husband and wife-duo, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Rewind is about a married couple, Mary (Rivera) and John (Dantes), where Mary has a tragic accident after loving John her whole life, while John on the other hand, has become a bitter shell of himself, forgetting the loving husband he once was. However, after an existential and extraordinary miracle, John is able to rewind time and save the life of the woman he loves.
6. GomBurZa
GomBurZa, directed by Pepe Diokno, took home the most awards at the MMFF including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound, and 2nd place for Best Picture. This highly anticipated movie is about three historically famous priests, Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan), and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee), and the impact of their lives in Filipino culture and what they stood for - equality for all Filipinos.
7. Penduko
Penduko is an action, adventure, and fantasy movie that has all the wow and entertainment-factor that you could be looking for. Starring Matteo Guidicelli, Penduko is about a 20 year-old wimp that was raised in the U.S. who embarks on a journey in the Philippines after his Father died to search for his mother, only to discover a curse and evil forces destroying the town.
8. Firefly
Euwenn Mikael Aleta is the star of Firefly where he plays Tonton in this magical film, where our young adventurer sets off to find the fabled island of fireflies after being inspired from his mother’s bedtime stories. Such a touching story as viewers watch Aleta battle grief, display courage, yearning, and belief in this fantasy drama. Aleta won Best Child Performer in his stunning performance in addition to the movie winning Best Picture and Best Screenplay.
9. Broken Heart’s Trip
“The comedy flick stars Christian as a producer, judge and host of a reality contest featuring five heartbroken contenders played by Teejay Marquez, Marvin Yap, Petite, Iyah and Andoy Ranay. The show offers a cure for their broken hearts by bringing them to different beautiful and romance-conducive parts of the country. The catch: They must not fall in love to avoid elimination, with the last person standing is guaranteed a P1 million cash prize.” - Nathalie Tomada of Philstar Global
10. (K)Ampon
After 8 years of marriage, a childless couple named Clark (Derek Ramsay) and Eileen (Beauty Gonzalez) meet a little girl who one day, came knocking at their door claiming to be Clark's child. Despite the unexpected situation, the wife accepts the child and temporarily fosters her while figuring the next steps. Meanwhile, Clark investigates the child's history while Eileen begins to develop an odd and eerie relation with the child.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing an ICC investigation for crimes against humanity—but what does this mean for democracy, sovereignty, and the Philippines' global standing? For Filipino Americans, this case is more than just politics—it’s about justice, accountability, and the future of the motherland. Here’s why it matters.