Following last year’s golden celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is officially moving into a new chapter with higher hopes and bigger goals. Branded with the theme “MMFF 51: A New Era for Philippine Cinema,” this year’s edition was launched on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Makati City, where organizers revealed the first four official entries and a new box office goal of P1 billion.
First four
The initial lineup includes “Call Me Mother” starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, directed by Jun Robles Lana; “Rekonek” featuring Carmina Villarroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson and Zoren Legaspi, directed by Jade Castro; “Manila’s Finest” with Piolo Pascual, directed by Raymond Red; and “Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins,” a horror anthology with a massive ensemble cast including Ivana Alawi, Francine Diaz, Manilyn Reynes, Carla Abellana, Loisa Andalio, Richard Gutierrez and others, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman and Ian Loreños.
The second batch of four entries will be announced on Sept. 30.
Star power
According to a July news report by ABS-CBN, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes expressed optimism about this year’s selections, stating, “Our first four entries are very promising. The actors are big names and the directors are excellent. Hopefully, the next four will be just as good or even better.”
A total of 23 scripts were submitted this year, with the first four selected based on their strength in storytelling, direction and commercial appeal. This year, the MMFF returns to its eight-entry format, a shift from the 10 entries in recent years. As reported by GMA News, Artes explained, “With eight entries, more theaters will be able to screen each film and every film will have a better chance of earning well.”
The MMFF 2025 screening run begins on Dec. 25, with the Parade of Stars scheduled for Dec. 19 and the Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) on Dec. 27.