Lower MMFF ticket prices? MMDA to discuss anew with cinema owners

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January 6, 2026 | 12:21pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is reviewing anew the possibility of lowering the cost of ticket prices in future editions of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

MMDA Chairman Ron Artes addressed the issue of expensive movie tickets in a press conference Monday, January 5, following concerns by the public and filmmakers, including directors of MMFF entries.

Artes noted that there were previous discussions on the topic with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the organization composed of cinema owners and establishments overseeing screenings.

"Hindi pa lang namin siguro naupuan these past years but now, seriously, we are considering na i-request sa kanila — short of mandating siguro — na i-revisit yung presyo ng sine," Artes said.

The MMDA chairman posited that it might be time for a new formula where the deduction in prices may be recuperated in terms of theater volume.

He clarified, however, that the move remains a business decision on the part of CEAP given the maintenance costs, operating costs and investments.

"Pag-usapan namin seriously. Like any other MMFF naman, after [ay] nagre-revisit kami kung saan nagkamali, ano room for improvement," Artes added, saying such discussions were done with producers and stakeholders.

Related: MMFF 'lost its soul' due to rising cinema prices, says filmmaker

Artes vowed that the MMFF would continue improving to reflect the quality of the films being entered.

The MMDA has yet to release official box office numbers for the most recent MMFF, although comedian Vice Ganda recently bared that his movie "Call Me Mother" had crossed P300 million, making it the highest-grossing Filipino film for 2025.

At the Gabi ng Parangal last December 27, "I'mPerfect" surprised the whole field by winning First Best Picture on top of Best Actress for Krystel Go and the brand new Jury Prize for Best Ensemble.

Nearly half of the awards were dished out to "Manila's Finest" and "Unmarry", which won eight and seven trophies, respectively. The two films even shared the Best Float plum.

"Unmarry" won Second Best Picture, Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian, Best Supporting Actor for Tom Rodriguez, Breakthrough Performance Award for Zack Sibug, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing.

"Manila's Finest", meanwhile — tied with "Call Me Mother" for Third Best Picture — won the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, and received five craft awards.

RELATED: Malls open more cinemas for 'I'mPerfect'; De Lima commends film