ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
MMFF Losing Its 'People's Festival' Charm, Says Filmmaker Jun Robles Lana
Jun Robles Lana FILE
Jun Robles Lana, acclaimed filmmaker and longtime observer of Philippine cinema, recently shared a critical reflection on the state of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
"For decades, the MMFF was the 'people's festival.' It was the one time of year when ordinary workers took their children to the mall to see their idols. But today, a family of four would need at least ₱1,500 just to enter the theater, not including transportation or even a single bag of popcorn,” Lana wrote.
He pointed out that rising ticket prices have done more than just reduce audience numbers—they have changed the very nature of the festival. “By pricing the ordinary Filipino out of the theater, the industry hasn't just lost customers, it has lost its soul. Cinema has shifted from a shared national culture to a middle-class privilege.”
Lana stressed that calling the MMFF a “National” Film Festival is meaningless if it excludes the majority of the population. “You cannot promote a 'National' Film Festival while maintaining prices that exclude the nation. Until we admit that cinema has become a luxury that the '₱500 Noche Buena' family cannot afford, we are simply watching the slow, expensive sunset of Philippine cinema,” he added.
His post has sparked conversations online about accessibility, ticket pricing, and the future of Philippine cinema as a cultural experience for all, not just those who can afford it.
"For decades, the MMFF was the 'people's festival.' It was the one time of year when ordinary workers took their children to the mall to see their idols. But today, a family of four would need at least ₱1,500 just to enter the theater, not including transportation or even a single bag of popcorn,” Lana wrote.
He pointed out that rising ticket prices have done more than just reduce audience numbers—they have changed the very nature of the festival. “By pricing the ordinary Filipino out of the theater, the industry hasn't just lost customers, it has lost its soul. Cinema has shifted from a shared national culture to a middle-class privilege.”
Lana stressed that calling the MMFF a “National” Film Festival is meaningless if it excludes the majority of the population. “You cannot promote a 'National' Film Festival while maintaining prices that exclude the nation. Until we admit that cinema has become a luxury that the '₱500 Noche Buena' family cannot afford, we are simply watching the slow, expensive sunset of Philippine cinema,” he added.
His post has sparked conversations online about accessibility, ticket pricing, and the future of Philippine cinema as a cultural experience for all, not just those who can afford it.
Jan 2, 2026
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