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More than just showcasing all-Filipino movies, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is also an award-giving body that recognizes the hard work and artistry of the people behind and at the forefront of the participating films.

Thus, the festival traditionally hands out awards to applaud the best among the lot.

It's not a perfect system, to say the least, and the MMFF has had its fair share of controversies and even questionable decisions when it comes to naming its winners.

At the same time, one can argue that giving out recognitions based on artistic output is always a subjective endeavor.

After all, each person or, in this case, jurors, has his and her interpretation of what a “good” or “bad” movie should look like.

For this year, the MMFF Executive Committee through its chairman, Metro Manila Development Authority's Danilo Lim has named the members of the board of jurors for this year's edition of the annual festival.

Heading the jury for the fourth year is cabinet secretary Karlo Alexi Nograles and vice-chair, MTRCB chief Rachel Arenas.

The jurors, meanwhile, are composed of individuals coming from different fields.

These are actor and Ormoc City mayor Richard Gomez; director Carlitos Seguion-Reyna; novelist Lualhati Bautista; singer-songwriter Jay Durias of South Border; CNN senior anchor Rico Hizon; Directors Guild of the Philippines president Paolo Villaluna; Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino president Gary Devilles; MMDA assistant general manager Corazon Bautista-Cruz; and MMDA consultant Belinda Enriquez.

The winners for this year's 46th MMFF will be announced and awarded on December 27.

The Gabi ng Parangal will be held virtually as social gatherings are still discouraged due to the threat of COVID-19.

This year's participating movies are Magikland, Coming Home, The Missing, Tagpuan, Isa Pang Bahaghari, Suarez: the Healing Priest, Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandang Itim, Pakboys Takusa, The Boy Foretold by the Stars, and Fan Girl.

The number of films for this year increased from the usual eight entries to 10 given that there are no cinema limitations as the festival will be conducted online. The films will likewise be available internationally, thanks to the streaming format.

Viewers can watch the films for P250 per title from December 25 to January 7, 2021, via the streaming platform Upstream.ph. The public can now purchase tickets in advance through the said website.

Meanwhile, take a look at the Kapuso stars who are participating in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.