MANILA - (UPDATE) The official entries to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) have been announced.

On Friday, the MMFF 2016 Executive Committee announced the eight entries that will be screened in the annual Filipino film festival, which opens every Christmas Day.

The "Magic 8" were selected based on the following criteria: story, audience appeal and overall impact (40%); cinematic attributes or technical expertise (40%); global appeal (10%); and Filipino sensibility (10%).

Expect these films to hit cinemas nationwide for this year's MMFF:

- "Die Beautiful" (October Train Films and The Idea First Company) directed by Jun Robles Lana; starring Paolo Ballesteros

- "Kabisera" directed by Arturo San Agustin and Real Florido; starring Nora Aunor, Ricky Davao, JC De Vera, Jason Abalos, Victor Neri and Rj Agustin

- "Saving Sally" directed by Avid Liongoren; starring Rhian Ramos and Enzo Marcos

- "Seklusyon" (Reality Entertainment) directed by Erik Matti; starring Rhed Bustamante, Phoebe Walker, Elora Espano, Neil Ryan Sese, Ronnie Alonte, Lou Veloso, Dominique Roque, John Vic De Guzman and JR Versales

- "Sunday Beauty Queen" directed by Baby Ruth Villarama; starring Hazel Perdid, Maylyn Jacobo, Cherry Bretania and Leo Selomenio

- "Vince & Kath & James" (Star Cinema) directed by Ted Boborol; starring Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte

- "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough" (Martinez Rivera Films and Quantum Films in association with TBA) directed by Marlon Rivera; starring Eugene Domingo and Chris Martinez

- "Oro" directed by Alvin Yapan; starring Joem Bascon

Meanwhile, here are the Short Film entries for MMFF 2016:

- "Birds" by Christian Paulo Lat

- "EJK" by Bor Ocampo

- "Manila Screen" by Roque Lee & Blair Camilo

- "Mga Bitoon sa Siyudad" by Jarell Serencio

- "Mitatang" by Argin Jezer Gagui

- "Momo" by Avid Liongoren

- "Passage of Life" by Renz Vincemark Cruz & Hannah

- "Sitsiritsit" by Brian Spencer Reyes