MMDA to discuss lowering movie ticket prices for MMFF 2026

MANILA, January 7 ------ The high prices of movie tickets were seen as one of the factors behind the low turnout of movie patrons at this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. On average, regular cinema prices are at P400 now, while premium cinemas go as high as P600 and up. The public and industry folks see this tag price as a reason for the decline of box office receipts this year. This was affirmed by MMFF Overall chairman Atty. Don Artes.

This year, the festival fell almost P100 million short compared to last year's gross receipts. The silver lining at this point is that ticket sales after the holiday break have picked up, and the majority of the eight entries have benefited from it. "Kaya ko nasabi na successful, kasi 7 out of 8 movies lumampas sa 8 digits yung gross receipts nila which is first time din nangyari. Nung mga previous years, isa dalawa lang ang 8 digits and the rest pababa na nang pababa," Artes told ABS-CBN News.

To keep the momentum going, Artes spoke to producers and the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to extend the festival run. "We’re going to extend it until January 14, ngayon compared to last year on a daily basis mas mataas yung gross. As in mataas, malaki pa. So we’re extending it a week," he said. When it comes to ticket prices, Artes said: “Ako personally, dapat hindi lalampas ng P300 ang presyo ng sine.”

Some people are suggesting that cinemas should explore offering possible bundles and packages, especially for those who watch movies in groups. "Yan pa pwedeng i-consider yan, kunwari kung 400 (pesos) yung ticket, gawin nating 600 (pesos) for two. Para ma-encourage lalo na yung mga families," Artes acknowledged. He also shared other factors that affected the numbers this year. “Medyo mababa ang consumer spending natin ngayon. Ang pelikula naman among the priorities, hindi siya priority,” he noted.

He added, "Siguro, walang pambata ngayon eh," referring to a movie that would cater to kids -- such as the kind that Vice Ganda would make in the past. "Itong festival na ito mix siya ng commercial and artistic. Noong mga nakaraang panahon, more on the commercial side siya. This time, tumataas yung artistic value ng mga pelikula. Na tingin ko, nakakaapekto doon sa commerical value," said Artes. As early as now, a number of producers and A-list actors have expressed intent to participate in the annual MMFF this 2026.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com