MANILA -- Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016 spokesperson Noel Ferrer believes that more movies will earn a profit this year, after the entries of production giants were dropped from the festival.

• A first in years: No Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto movies in MMFF

Unlike previous MMFFs, Ferrer said that this year's competition is more "democratized".

"Normally isa o dalawang production lang talaga 'yong napu-pull away na kunwari P400 million to P500 million, and iyung iba naliligwak," he told DZMM in an interview on Monday.

Since independent films have small production budgets, Ferrer said there is less chance that they'll lose money.

"With the figures now and the initial audiences, mukhang ang liit lang naman ng puhunan. Mukhang mas maraming production ang kikita ngayon," he said.

For this year's MMFF, Ferrer said their goal is to give a venue to small productions with great films. This, he said, will benefit not just the audience but also the industry and the festival.

"There's no price for audience education and audience development. Walang presyo 'yon, hindi mo malalagyan ng presyo 'yon. Nakakatulong tayo sa pag-angat ng kalidad ng pelikula," he said.

MMFF 2016 has announced the top four earners (in alphabetical order) on opening day: "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2," "Die Beautiful," "Seklusyon" and "Vince and Kath and James."

Meanwhile, the bottom four, "Sunday Beauty Queen," "Saving Sally," "Oro," and "Kabisera" will be offering 30% discounts to students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens starting Tuesday, December 27.

• READ: MMFF 2016 meets 'new' target for opening day