The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has reported a significant revenue shortfall this year, with organizers pointing to the high cost of cinema tickets as a major contributing factor. The festival's overall chairperson, Atty. Don Artes, confirmed a revenue drop of approximately P100 million compared to previous years.
Ticket Prices Under Scrutiny
One of the primary reasons identified for the decline in earnings is the current price range for movie tickets in major malls, which now sits between P300 and P600. Artes acknowledged the public's complaints regarding these prices. In response, the MMFF organizing committee has initiated a study to explore the feasibility of reducing ticket costs for the upcoming festival scheduled for December 2026.
A Silver Lining and an Extension
Despite the financial setback, Artes maintained that the 2025 edition of the festival could still be viewed as a success. He highlighted a historic achievement during an interview with ABS-CBN: seven out of the eight official entries managed to exceed eight-digit gross receipts. "This is the first time this has happened," Artes stated. "In previous years, only one or two films would reach eight digits, while the rest earned much less."
In an effort to bolster the festival's overall financial performance, organizers have decided to extend its run. The MMFF will now continue screening films until January 14, 2026, providing moviegoers with additional opportunities to watch the entries and potentially increase the total box office haul.
Looking Ahead to December 2026
The focus now shifts to the future of the beloved film festival. The committee's review of ticket pricing is a direct attempt to address a key barrier for audiences. The goal is to make the MMFF more accessible to the general public while ensuring the commercial viability of the participating films. The success of this pricing strategy will be closely watched when the festival returns this coming December.
