It’s MMFF season again—here are past gems you can stream online

Makeshift greeting cards and year-end photo dumps aside, there seems to be a common denominator in our timelines come December: A discussion on Philippine cinema.

This is mainly prompted by the arrival of the Metro Manila Film Festival. While the yearly lineup shouldn’t the sole basis of what greatness Philippine cinema can offer (and has been offering), the long-standing criticism surrounding it is valid. Moviegoers tend to be hesitant in checking out the festival because of its reputation of producing cash cows, recycled storylines, or repeating franchises, holding back the audience from experiencing fresher, more vast narratives that mirror experiences we should talk about.

Looking at its history, though, there are gems that made our viewing experience worth it. Whether it be subverting cliches, delivering significant messages, or pushing the envelope in various film aspects, these titles show how our storytellers can shine if given the proper chance.

Good news: We can actually stream some of them at home. Here’s a list of past MMFF entries worth your time and are available to watch, ranging from to horror to romance.

“Sunday Beauty Queen” (2016)

Dir. Baby Ruth Villarama

In the local film catalogue, there are many films that spotlight the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), like “Anak” (2000), “Milan” (2004) and of course, the highest-grossing Filipino film to date, “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” set in Hong Kong.

There’s another Filipino narrative set in the same country—that actually sits at the third spot of “top destinations of newly deployed Filipino labor migrants”—with a different scope. Enter “Sunday Beauty Queen,” which takes its viewers on the journey of domestic workers as they work their fingers to the bone while away from their families. For a special day, though, they transform with crowns on their heads for the annual beauty pageant.

If this sounds very familiar to you, it’s because it’s as real as it can be. This love letter to OFWs and Filipino women is the first documentary that got included in the MMFF—one of the reasons why many can’t seem to get over the 2016 lineup.

It bursts with humanity, pushes you to question the systems surrounding the working class, and can be one hell of a tear-jerker, especially when you hear the line: “Ilang eroplano pa kaya ang dadaan bago ako makauwi?” (I wonder, how many how airplanes will pass by before I get to go home myself?)

Watch if you like: The feeling of empowerment.

Where to watch: TBA Studios’ YouTube channel

“Crying Ladies” (2003)

Dir. Mark Meily

In the mood for something campy and heartwarming? You can never go wrong with a chunk from the early aughts, especially if it’s a film topbilled by Sharon Cuneta, Hilda Koronel, and Angel Aquino—and is based on a Palanca-winning screenplay to boot.

There’s a reason why the internet still raves about this 20 years later. The concept itself is unhinged: In Manila’s Chinatown, three women who need to make ends meet get hired as “professional mourners” of a Chinese-Filipino family’s funeral. As they perform their job, these women also get to know each other—dreams and fears included.
Aside from the actual crying scenes, it has pretty iconic stills, like this:

Watch it if you like: Chaotic Filipino humor with a good sob on the side.

Where to watch: Netflix

“Honor Thy Father” (2015)

Dir. Erik Matti

If this crime-thriller tale comes off familiar to you, it’s probably because a.) You’ve seen that frequently reimagined still of John Lloyd Cruz’s character looking spaced out in the middle of people’s worship session; or b.) You remember the issue involving its disqualification in the best picture category, because of its “non-disclosure of its participation as the opening movie in another film festival,” the MMFF revealed. The team behind the film persistently fought for their side, and many moviegoers were also disappointed in MMFF’s decision.

The previously controversial film follows a family who find themselves in huge financial trouble after getting involved in a Ponzi scheme. Wrapped in a murky atmosphere and filled with commendable acting performances, “Honor Thy Father” is also a sharp social commentary, tackling themes on organized religion, authority, and morality.

Watch it if you like: Problem-solving and talking about topics often swept under the rug.

Where to watch: iWantTFC

“Ang Larawan” (2017)

Dir. Loy Arcenas

A tale of mystery, but make it 1940s. Period film enjoyers, rise up.

Fun fact: “Ang Larawan” was adapted from the stage play “Larawan,” which was also based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino,” a 1950 literary play.

Set in Intramuros (Old Manila), the musical follows impoverished Marasigan sisters Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paula (Rachel Alejandro) as they take on the challenges involving their painter father’s final creation, his self-portrait. It starts to attract curious eyes and potential buyers—but will Candida and Paula sell the painting?

Watch it if you like: Ryan Cayabyab’s music, history, and some… beef.
Where to watch: Netflix

“Big Night!” (2021)

Dir. Jun Robles Lana

Dharna, a gay beautician, is on a mission to clear his name after getting included in a drug watchlist.

From “Barber’s Tales” to “About Us But Not About Us,” the films Jun Lana both directs and writes will make you wear your thinking hat. “Big Night!” is no exception—just add some more dose of (satirical) humor.

But apart from the laughs, “Big Night!” packs sharp commentary, piercing performances, goosebumps-incuding scenes, and a message that will leave you angry at injustices.

Watch it if you like: Dark comedy and lines that just cut.

Where to watch: Prime Video

“Karnal” (1983)

Dir. Marilou Diaz-Abaya

In the headspace for something heavy? Dig deeper into the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema with classic “Karnal.” This is pretty much a big brain moment—it’s directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee, who are both National Artists.

Set in the 1930s when the Philippines was under American colonial rule, the drama film zeroes in on Narcing (Phillip Salvador) and Puring (Cecille Castillo), a newly-married couple who move to the town of Mulawin, the groom’s hometown. Unfortunately, tragedy reigns in this place.

“Karnal” is part of Diaz-Abaya’s trilogy of feminist films, including “Brutal” and “Moral.”

Watch it if you like: A foolproof recommendation to your friend who doesn’t believe in Filipino films, because who would hate this masterpiece?

Where to watch: Prime Video

You may also like: 3 Filipino-directed short films to catch at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival

“Love At First Stream” (2021)

Dir. Cathy Garcia-Sampana

If your goal this holiday season is to find a new potential comfort film, look no further than this romance drama. Come to think of it, this was released during a time when we needed some warmth and good energy in isolation.

The peak of quarantine saw many forms of media adapting to the times—for one, the element of videocalls was heavily used. This wave eventually felt exhausting, though, but “Love At First Stream” manages to take a fresh spin on the “chronically online” era.

Its main characters are composed of a streamer, a student, a breadwinner, and a heartthrob, played by today’s rising Gen Z stars Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, and Anthony Jennings. With topics on nurturing relationships, validation, the internet, and identity, the story captures what it feels to be young in the age of scrutiny.

Watch it if you like: Barkada-themed shows and films.

Where to watch: iWantTFC

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