What Is 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was the 5th edition of the annual film festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines, running from December 25, 1979, to January 2, 1980. It featured 10 official entries, with 'Burles Queen' by Elwood Perez winning Best Picture.

Key Facts

The 1979 MMFF ran from December 25, 1979, to January 2, 1980.
Ten films competed in the official entries category.
'Burles Queen' directed by Elwood Perez won Best Picture.
The festival was held annually during the Christmas season in the Philippines.
MMFF was established in 1975 to promote Filipino cinema during the holiday period.

Overview

The 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival marked the fifth installment of the annual event launched to boost local film production and viewership during the holiday season. Held from December 25, 1979, to January 2, 1980, it continued the tradition of showcasing exclusively Filipino-made films in Metro Manila theaters.

The festival aimed to provide a platform for Filipino filmmakers and to encourage moviegoers to support domestic cinema over foreign imports. Over the years, the MMFF has become a cultural staple in the Philippines, with the 1979 edition contributing to its growing prestige.

Festival Dates: The 1979 MMFF officially ran from December 25, 1979, to January 2, 1980, a 9-day run typical of early editions.
Number of Entries: A total of 10 films were accepted as official entries, competing across multiple award categories.
Best Picture Winner:'Burles Queen', directed by Elwood Perez, took home the top honor of Best Picture at the awards night.
Genre Representation: The lineup included a mix of drama, action, and comedy, reflecting the diverse tastes of Filipino audiences at the time.
Cultural Impact: The festival reinforced the government’s push to promote national identity through cinema during the Marcos administration.

How It Works

The Metro Manila Film Festival operates under a structured format designed to highlight Filipino talent and ensure commercial viability. Each year, producers submit completed films for screening consideration during the holiday period.

Eligibility Criteria: Films must be 100% Filipino-owned and completed before the submission deadline, ensuring full compliance with cultural promotion goals.
Screening Period: The festival runs annually from December 25 to early January, with all entries required to screen in Metro Manila cinemas.
Judging Process: Awards are determined by a mix of board of jurors and box office performance, balancing artistic and commercial success.
Box Office Rules: During the festival, only MMFF entries are allowed to screen in Metro Manila theaters, creating a monopoly for local films.
Award Categories: Key awards include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and technical categories like editing and cinematography.
Festival Organizers: The event is managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in coordination with the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1979 MMFF with other editions to highlight its scale and significance.

Year	Total Entries	Best Picture Winner	Box Office Gross (Est.)	Festival Duration
1975	8	“Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa”	₱15 million	Dec 25–Jan 1
1977	9	“Inay”	₱22 million	Dec 25–Jan 1
1979	10	“Burles Queen”	₱28 million	Dec 25–Jan 2
1981	10	“Batch '81”	₱35 million	Dec 25–Jan 3
1983	12	“Himala”	₱41 million	Dec 25–Jan 4

The 1979 festival showed steady growth in both participation and revenue compared to earlier years. With 10 entries and an estimated box office gross of ₱28 million, it reflected increasing public interest and industry investment. The extended run to January 2 also indicated a growing appetite for local films during the holiday season.

Why It Matters

The 1979 MMFF played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Filipino cinema by reinforcing the viability of local productions in commercial markets. Its success helped cement the festival as a permanent feature of the Philippine cultural calendar.

National Identity: The festival promoted Filipino stories and values, reducing reliance on foreign films during peak viewing periods.
Industry Growth: Winning or even screening at MMFF could launch the careers of directors, actors, and technicians.
Economic Boost: The event generated significant revenue for theaters and distributors, with ₱28 million in ticket sales in 1979.
Policy Influence: The government used MMFF to implement cultural policies, such as mandating 100% Filipino ownership of entries.
Historical Record: Films like 'Burles Queen' serve as time capsules of 1970s Philippine society, aesthetics, and social issues.
Legacy: The 1979 edition contributed to a tradition that continues annually, now over four decades strong.

Today, the MMFF remains a cornerstone of Philippine cinema, with the 1979 festival standing as a key milestone in its evolution. Its blend of artistic recognition and commercial success set a precedent for future editions.