THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announced the official entries for this year’s festival as it sets the stage for a new era for Philippine cinema.
While unveiling the first four official entries for the upcoming MMFF, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes stated that the positive reception of the public for last year’s golden jubilee of the MMFF has set a high bar for the 51st edition.
Because of this, 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,” Artes said during the grand launch of the 51st MMFF at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, Makati City.
The official entries that have been unveiled were chosen based on the script submission, the representation of a wide variety of genres that highlights the creativity, and the versatility of the Filipino filmmakers.
The first four official entries of the 2025 MMFF are as listed as follows:
• CALL ME MOTHER
Directed by Jun Robles Lana
Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., The Ideafirst Company, & Viva Communications, Inc.
• REKONEK
Directed by Jade Castro
Produced by: Reality MM Studios
• MANILA’S FINEST
Directed by Rae Red
Produced by: Cignal TV, Inc.
• SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL EVILO ORIGINS
Directed by: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños
Produced by: Regal Entertainment, Inc.
A total of 23 submissions were received for the MMFF’s 51st edition. And during the selection process, Artes admitted that the selection committee felt overwhelmed.
“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,” Artes said.
MMFF’s selection committee, headed by Boots Anson-Rodrigo, carefully reviewed submissions based on the criteria of artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural sensibility, and global appeal.
The selected four entries will form a part of the official eight entries to the 51st MMFF to be shown on the big screen beginning on December 25.
Meanwhile, the remaining four entries will be selected from finished film submissions with a deadline of September 15, 2025.
Organized by the MMDA, the most anticipated MMFF aims to primarily promote and enhance the preservation of Philippine cinema.
Proceeds from the MMFF will go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry. This includes,
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).
