THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) refuted claims about the box office performance of the movies showing at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The MMDA, which organizes the film festival, said in a statement that it had never disclosed ticket sales data, adding that it wished to provide equal exposure and support to all films.
This reaction came after a social media post supposedly showed the 10 participating films’ earnings on their opening day, December 25.
”Fake news naman ang mga ulat na kumakalat sa internet na nagpapakita ng mga kinita ng bawat pelikula,” the MMDA said.
”Ang MMFF ay walang inilalabas na anumang uri ng ranking o kinita ng bawat pelikula para maiwasan na maapektuhan o maimpluwensyahan ang desisyon ng manonood.”
Still, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said opening-day sales were higher than the previous year.
“Bukod sa mahahabang pila sa mga sinehan simula pa noong Disyembre 25, mas malaki ang kinita sa unang araw ng film festival ngayong taon kumpara sa bentahan ng ticket sa unang araw noong 2022,” said Artes, who also chairs the MMFF.
”Nagpapatunay ito na ang bawat 10 film entry ay kahanga-hanga at tunay na de kalidad. Tunay na bumalik na ang sigla ng publiko sa panonood sa mga sinehan,” the MMDA said.
The 49th MMFF held its Gabi ng Parangal on Wednesday night. “GomBurZa” took home the most trophies with seven, while “Firefly” won Best Picture.
