A new era for Philippine cinema is unveiling at the MMFF 2025

‘Tis the season once again for the Metro Manila Film Festival! On its 51st edition, MMFF will officially commence on December 25, 2025, showcasing the rich Filipino film industry. This year’s festival is themed “A New Era for Philippine Cinema”, with Makati City as its host city.

The eight entries for MMFF 2025 surely boasts a unique and exciting lineup for cinephiles and film enthusiasts. From romcoms to horror, these films appeal to both Filipino and global audiences.

Up first in the list of entries is Call Me Mother, Jun Robles Lana’s film starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre. This movie revolves around motherhood and will surely move the hearts of Filipinos with its family drama-comedy genre. 

Raymond Red takes the crime-thriller genre of this festival with Manila’s Finest, working with Piolo Pascual and Enrique Gil. This film is set in the 1970s with a murder mystery in the slums of Manila.

ReKonek by Jade Castro explores the classic Filipino favorite genre of family drama with Gerald Anderson, Carmina Villaroel, and Zoren Legaspi. In the theme of Filipino Christmas, ReKonek showcases a multi-narrative of a Christmas without the internet.

Horror classic Shake, Rattle & Roll returns in Filipino cinemas as an MMFF 2025 entry, with a new installation entitled Evil Origins. Made up of three episodes set in three different timelines, this anthology stars Carla Abellana, Loisa Andalio, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Richard Gutierrez, and Ivana Alawi. 

Kip Oebanda’s Bar Boys: After School is an awaited drama movie, a sequel of his 2017 hit film Bar Boys. This film follows Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano and their path to their dreams fueled by friendship and passion in law, along with stellar additional cast such as Sassa Girl and Klarisse de Guzman. 

A romance film directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, I’mPerfect revolves around two lovers with down syndrome navigating life in love. Actors Krystel Go and Earl Amaba are joined by veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez with a heart-tugging story.

Mae Cruz-Alviar introduces another one of her romance works with her MMFF entry, Love You So Bad, with rising stars Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, and Dustin Yu. A classic love triangle story following a modern setting filled with the kilig factor, the former PBB participants lure the public with their chemistry. 

Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo will be back in Philippine cinemas as a couple facing the process of annulment with Jeffrey Jeturian’s entry UnMarry. Circulating around life, love, pain, and regret, this drama will bring tears to your eyes.

The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival Parade of Stars motorcade is set on December 19 in Makati City. The awarding ceremony, Gabi ng Parangal, will happen on December 27.

MMFF 2025 marks a new chapter for Philippine cinema, showing the talent and creativity of Filipino filmmakers. With its fun and touching lineup, the Metro Manila Film Festival will surely entertain viewers of all ages again. This holiday season, invite your loved ones and enjoy the best of Filipino cinema!