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Summer MMFF still not happening this year amid COVID-19 surge

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/tvpatrol/12/18/20191222-mmff-(8).jpg"/><figcaption>Stars of the &#x27;The Mall, The Merrier,&#x27; one of the entries in the 2019 edition of the MMFF, wave to fans gathered during the traditional Parade of Stars. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, mass gatherings such as a parade are no longer allowed. <em>Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — The inaugural summer edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which was originally planned to debut in 2020, is still not happening this year, amid record-high surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.</p><p>In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/noel.ferrer.988/posts/10159350107240859">statement</a>, MMFF committee spokesperson Noel Ferrer said that the group has “decided on foregoing with the Summer MMFF until partner-cinemas are once again open to the public.”</p><p>Cinemas nationwide remain shuttered amid the raging pandemic, with Metro Manila placed under modified enhanced community quarantine — the second most stringers lockdown measure — until April 30.</p><p>The 2020 edition of the regular MMFF in December was held virtually.</p><p>Instead of pushing through with the first summer MMFF, the committee is “focusing on the yearend holiday festival,” Ferrer added, detailing the schedule for prospective entries. They are the following:</p><ul>	<li>Submission of letter of intent: June 30</li>	<li>Submission of finished film entries, including trailers, behind-the-scenes footage: September 3 (early bird), September 30 (regular deadline)</li>	<li>Announcement of eight official entries: October 15</li></ul><p>“With this, it is the MMFF EXECOM’s vision to encourage the submission of excellent films that would inspire, uplift and connect to a broader Filipino audience for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival even as we navigate creatively through this present pandemic,” the group said.</p><div><strong>Related videos:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1662224" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1662223" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><div> </div>

<p>The inaugural summer edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which was originally planned to debut in 2020, is still not happening this year, amid record-high surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.</p>

The inaugural summer edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which was originally planned to debut in 2020, is still not happening this year, amid record-high surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.