Public warned against fake MMFF passes, tickets

MANILA, Philippines: The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and its 10 official entries are in the thick of promoting the upcoming films which will open in cinemas on December 25, Christmas Day.

But as the day of the festival approaches, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the yearly implementer and organizer of MMFF, said it is aware of the proliferation of fake festival passes and tickets, especially online.

In this regard, MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes warned the public against buying these illegal tickets.

«You will just lose money in buying those. Our cinema passes have security features and cinema operators know them so once these patrons present fake tickets, they will be apprehended easily. Instead of them enjoying MMFF, they might find themselves with legal cases,» Artes said on the sidelines of the MMFF Auditorium inauguration on Thursday.

Artes also answered questions regarding the public plea to lower MMFF ticket prices to make the festival more accessible to viewers.

«We were able to have a meeting with [the] Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines and they said that ticket prices depend on the location and type of cinema. But they assured that nationwide their average ticket prices are at P300, except for the special movie houses,» Artes said.

Asked if MMDA could cap the prices if only for MMFF, Artes admitted, «No we can't set the prices because that's a business decision on the part ng theater owners and producers because they are the ones who divide among themselves the earnings of the movies. What we can do, perhaps, is that through MMFF we can start the dialogue with them.»

He added, «That's why we're really asking the full support of your moviegoing public in this upcoming MMFF at the exceptional films in our lineup this year. May this be the kickstart we need to bring back the energy of Philippine cinema.»

Besides watching the entries Artes also invites the public to join the upcoming Parade of Stars set this Saturday, December 16.

It is touted as the biggest edition of the annual parade as it will pass through four cities, a first in MMFF history.

According to MMDA, the parade will begin at 2 p.m. at the Navotas Centennial