The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), fresh off the heels of a successful golden edition last year, is setting the stage for a new era of Philippine cinema with the announcement of the first official entries for this year’s festival.
The first batch of entries, chosen based on script submission, represents a wide variety of genres, highlighting the creativity and versatility of the Filipino filmmakers.
The first four MMFF 2025 official entries are the following:
• CALL ME MOTHER
Production: Abs-Cbn Film Productions, Inc., The Ideafirst Company, & Viva Communications, Inc.
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Scriptwriters: Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana, and Jun Robles Lana
Lead Actors: Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre
• REKONEK
Production: Reality MM Studios
Director: Jade Castro
Scriptwriters: Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, and Kat Naval
Lead Actors: Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legaspi
• MANILA’S FINEST
Production: Cignal TV, Inc.
Director: Rae Red
Scriptwriters: Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, Sherad Anthony Sanchez
Lead Actor: Piolo Pascual
• SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL EVILO ORIGINS
Production: Regal Entertainment, Inc.
Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños
Scriptwriters: Alex Castor, Onay Sales, and Gina Marissa Tagasa
Lead Actors: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andallo, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortaga, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Marilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra and Dustin Yu
According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the positive reception of the public for last year’s golden jubilee of the MMFF has set a high bar for the 51st edition, and the MMFF Executive Committee is keen on building the momentum.
“We promise an even more exciting and engaging experience for the filmmakers and moviegoers alike for the 51st edition of the MMFF. With the first batch of entries revealed, get ready for an exciting cinematic journey in December,” said Artes during the grand launch of the 51st MMFF and announcement of the first batch of official film entries at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, Makati City, on Tuesday night.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of his administration’s initiatives, has been actively promoting and supporting the MMFF for its role in showcasing Filipino stories and cultural significance.
The President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos are also working to boost the Philippine movie industry and its workforce, under Bagong Pilipinas.
In her welcome remarks, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, said they are thrilled to have been chosen as the festival’s host city and that Makati will support the Parade of Stars and all the movies participating in the festival.
For the MMFF’s 51st edition, a total of 23 submissions were received, resulting in a competitive and challenging selection process.
“The MMFF’s call for entries, which yielded a large number of submissions, was overwhelming. The MMFF is committed to providing a platform for local filmmakers to connect with the audience. MMFF 51 is a new era for Philippine cinema,” said Artes.
The MMFF’s selection committee, headed by Boots Anson-Rodrigo, carefully reviewed each submission based on the following criteria: artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural sensibility, and global appeal.
The first batch of entries will form part of the official eight entries to the 51st MMFF to be shown in cinemas nationwide beginning on December 25, Christmas Day.
The remaining four entries will be selected from finished film submissions with a deadline of September 15, 2025.
The country’s most anticipated MMFF is organized by the MMDA and held during the Christmas season, aimed primarily at promoting and enhancing the preservation of Philippine cinema.
Proceeds from the MMFF go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry, such as the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
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