‘As the MMFF continues to evolve and adapt to changing audience preferences, many are pinning their hopes on the festival’s ability to revitalize the local film industry.’
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has announced the first batch of official entries for its 2025 edition at its grand launch last Tuesday, July 8 at the Glorietta Activity Center as Makati is the host city in this year’s biggest, most popular festival.
The esteemed members of the Selection Committee headed by the multi-awarded and much respected leaders of the film industry Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo chose the Top 4 scripts based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%, Commercial Appeal – 40%, Filipino Cultural Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.
The first 4 MMFF official entries based on script submission are:
“Call Me Mother.” From Abs-Cbn Film Productions, Inc., The Ideafirst Company, & Viva Communications, Inc. and director Jun Robles Lana. It is written by Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana and Jun Robles Lana and features Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre
“Rekonek.” From Reality MM Studios and director Jade Castro. Written by Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta and Kat Naval, it features Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson and Zoren Legaspi
“Manila’s Finest.” Produced by Cignal TV, Inc. and directed Rae Red, it is writteb by Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang and Sherad Anthony Sanchez. The cast is led by Piolo Pascual.
“Shakes, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins.” Produced by Regal Entertainment, Inc., the trilogy has Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman and Ian Loreños at the helm. It is written by Alex Castor, Onay Sales and Gina Marissa Tagasa and features 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.
The deadline for the finished film submission, where the other 4 official MMFF entries shall be chosen, shall be on September 15, 2025.
The MMFF has long been a cornerstone of Philippine cinema, showcasing the country’s rich storytelling tradition and creative talent. For many years, the festival has played a significant role in promoting local films and encouraging Filipinos to support homegrown productions. However, in recent years, the local film industry has experienced a slump, with no major box office hits since the 50th MMFF.
This downturn has left many industry stakeholders and film enthusiasts holding their breath, hoping that the MMFF will once again ignite a passion for local cinema among Filipinos. The festival’s ability to bring people together and celebrate Filipino storytelling is undeniable, and its impact on the local film industry cannot be overstated.
As the MMFF continues to evolve and adapt to changing audience preferences, many are pinning their hopes on the festival’s ability to revitalize the local film industry. With its rich history and proven track record, the MMFF is well-positioned to inspire a new generation of Filipino filmmakers and audiences alike.
The desire for a resurgence in local cinema is not just about box office numbers; it’s about preserving a cultural heritage and promoting a sense of national identity. Filipino films have the power to captivate, educate, and inspire audiences, and it’s essential that they continue to thrive.
As the MMFF prepares for its next iteration, the collective hope is that it will spark a renewed interest in local films and encourage more Filipinos to support homegrown productions.
