‘Firefly’ sold out on first day of 49th MMFF in Quezon City mall

THE 49th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) officially began today, December 25, and movie tickets for official MMFF entry “Firefly” are now sold out in a mall in Quezon City.

At 10:56 a.m., GMA Pictures posted on X that tickets for the fantasy film had been sold out at SM Fairview in Quezon City.

According to the mall’s movie schedule, “Firefly” has five time slots for today, which starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. show, 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

“Unang araw pa lamang ng #MMFF2023 ay nag sold out na agad ang tickets sa SM Fairview para sa pelikulang ‘Firefly!’” GMA Pictures said.

“Sugod na sa mga sinehan at huwag magpahuli ngayong Pasko!” it added.

It also posted a photo and video of “Firefly” stars Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega visiting SM Fairview for their film’s premiere.

“Sold out ang ‘Firefly’ po sa SM Fairview. Maraming maraming salamat po and Merry Christmas!” Ortega said in the clip.

Tanfelix also greeted Filipinos a merry Christmas and encouraged those who want to see the fantasy film to check other cinemas that screen “Firefly.”

“Kung gusto niyong manuod ng ‘Firefly’ today, pwede niyong i-check sa TriNoma, SM Novaliches, or UP Town Center or sa mga kalapit na malls dito,” the actor said.

Directed by Zig Dulay, “Firefly” follows the story of adult Tonton (played by Dingdong Dantes) who looks back on his journey to finding the “island of fireflies” that his mom Elay (played by Alessandra De Rossi) told him about when he was younger. 

Elay claimed that Tonton, who hopes to be a brave person, will make his wish come true once she reaches the mystical island. 

Produced by GMA Network, “Firefly” also stars Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Epy Quizon, and Kokoy de Santos.

The fantasy movie is now available in over 40 movie houses nationwide, along with participating branches of SM Malls, Ayala Malls, and Robinsons.

Meanwhile, Cinema ’76 will begin screening the film on Tuesday, December 26, until December 30.

“Firefly” is among the 10 MMFF official entries this year, which runs from December 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

These Filipino films will be recognized at the MMFF’s “Gabi ng Parangal” on Thursday, December 27.