MAKATI CITY, July 11 (PIA) -- The first four (4) official entries to the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been named.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, esteemed members of the Selection Committee headed by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, chose the top 4 from the 26 scripts from 22 production companies based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence 40 percent (40%); Commercial Appeal at 40 percent (40%); Filipino Cultural Sensibility at 10 percent (10%); and Global Appeal also at 10 percent (10%).

The first four films that will form part of the official eight entries to the MMFF 2018 are: (K) AMPON of Quantum Films starring Derek Ramsay and Kris Aquino; MIRACLE IN CELL #7 of Viva Communications, Inc. starring Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre; MISSION UNSTAPABOL: THE DON IDENTITY of APT ENTERTAINMENT, INC. /M- ZET PRODUCTION starring Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza; and MOMALLAND OF ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. & Viva Films starring Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis.

The next four will be selected from among the finished films whose deadline will be on September 20, 2019.

Meanwhile, the MMDA reminds that the scripts for the Short Film Category are due for submission on August 15, 2019.

The Metro Manila Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Metro Manila. The festival, which runs from December 25 through New Years Day and into first weekend of January in the following year, focuses on Filipino films with Pinoy value. (PIA InfoComm)