MANILA - Senator Vicente C. Sotto III has criticized the organizers of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for supposedly favoring big budget production outfits after easing the new ruling that those who want to join the festival should have already submitted finished movies by November 2.

The MMFF announced on Facebook on October 26 that it will be accepting entries that are finished up to what it described as the "picture lock stage," which means that those chosen to compete in December will still be able make "enhancements" to their films.

"However, any revision to a film's edit after it has been selected will result in the disqualification from the festival," the MMFF added.

The supposed relaxing of the new rule did not sit well with Sotto, who told ABS-CBN News' Mario Dumaual: "Ang sinasabi ng indie producers, 'Bakit mo tutulungan iyong hindi sumunod sa rules at 'di nakatapos, kaming maliliit ang tulungan ninyo!"

An earlier online report revealed that 27 films have been shortlisted by the organizers. Like in past years, eight entries will be chosen and will be screened for two weeks in December.

Last year's edition was marred by controversy, with director Erik Matti lashing out at organizers for disqualifying his entry from the Best Picture category.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has since announced major changes to this year's MMFF, which included a revised criteria.

The new one now puts emphasis on Cinematic Attribute and Technical Excellence (40%), as well as Audience Appeal and Overall Impact (40%). The Global Appeal and the Filipino Sensibility benchmarks have been reduced to 10% each.

Other changes include the addition of a "People's Choice Award" and a "Children's Choice Award," select cinemas that will screen classic entries, a bigger and more interactive parade, and a more formal awards night.

A date for the announcement of the official entries to this year's MMFF has not been made public.