The selection committee was composed of MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and Laguna 1st District Rep. Dan Fernandez, who made the initial announcement, Lim stating in a mix of English and Filipino, “This year will be the 100th year of Philippine cinema, so let’s plan for a lot of activities so we can really celebrate this event.” National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera was also part of the selection committee, sharing that the four chosen out of the 26 scripts from 22 production houses were judged 40% for Artistic Excellence, 40% for Commercial Appeal, 10% for Filipino Cultural Sensibility, and 10% for Global Appeal.
The committee elaborated that the four films initially chosen will be among the selected that are completed by September 20.
The four films include: “Ampon” by Quantum Films starring Derek Ramsey and Kris Aquino, “Miracle in Cell No. 7” by VIVA Films starring Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre, “Mission Unstopabol: The Don Identity” by APT Entertainment, Inc., ZET Productions starring Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza, and “Momalland” by ABS-CBN Film Productions and VIVA Films starring Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis.
The 45th edition of the MMFF will be opening on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019. Last year, the festival made more than P1.6 billion.