Cameras now rolling, curtains rising, and a diverse set of stories waiting to be told— Filipino cinema is once again in the spotlight for its 51st Edition for this year’s film festival!
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) finally unwrapped its 2nd batch of films for the 51st edition at the University of Makati Performing Arts Theater’s (UPAT) glimmering stage last October 10, 2025, completing the official lineup of eight entries. The event marked another exciting chapter in the festival’s 51-year legacy of celebrating Filipino creativity and storytelling.
The annual MMFF, known for bringing families together during the holidays, continues to shine a spotlight on the diversity of local filmmaking. This year’s roster features a colorful mix of genres—from tear-jerking dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to thrilling mysteries and heartwarming tales that capture the Filipino spirit.
Kickstarting the film festival with the theme “A New Era of Philippine Cinema”, hosted by award-winning personalities Enchong Dee, Jervi “KaladKaren” Li Wrightson, and Binibining Pilipinas Ivy Nuqui. The festival pays homage to last year’s 50th Anniversary, offering a recap of annual events such as the golf tournament, the 51st MMFF Parade of Stars, the annual film showing, and the Gabi ng Parangal, which celebrates a night of success for all Filipino filmmakers and actors.
Also unveiling its first-ever coffee table book during the Annual Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last month, it showcased how these beloved produced films, the minds behind them, and the actors that brought life to these films, with the theme “Limang Dekada: Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta” that brought forth the legacy of Filipino film artistry closer to the people.
As Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman, Atty. Romando Artes also highlights its ongoing mission to promote Filipino films and showcase its talent and artistry.
Although this year’s unveiled films are fewer than last year and 2023’s filmfest, MMFF promises that this year’s films will keep you on the edge of your seats—an emotional rollercoaster that will leave a lasting impact.
Here are the official entries of MMFF 51:
Call Me Mother
- Starring the unkabogable Vice Ganda and groundbreaking actress Nadine Lustre, they team up for a heartfelt comedy-drama film that follows queer Mom ‘Twinkle’ as she navigates single parenthood with her son ‘Angel’ all by herself. Directed and written by Jun Robles Lana and produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., The Idea First Company, and Viva Communications, Inc. Expect humor, heart, and a fresh take on modern Filipino families.
Rekonek
- What happens when Filipinos are suddenly cut off from the internet? Rekonek, the film, tells about six different stories of Filipinos navigating life without the internet. Rekonek is directed by Jade Castro and written by Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, and Kat Naval, and produced by Reality MM Studios, starring an all-star ensemble: Gloria Diaz, Carmina Villaroel, Gerald Anderson, Zoren Legaspi, and Alexa Miro.
Manila’s Finest
- Directed by Raymond Red and produced by Cignal TV, Inc., starring Piolo Pascual as ‘MC’ in his police officer role. The crime thriller is set during the first-quarter storm of Circa 1970. Also starring Enrique Gil, Cedrick Juan, Romnick Sarmenta, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, and Ashtine Olviga.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins
- The horror film is directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Loreños and produced by Regal Entertainment, Inc. Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins persists across three different eras (1775, 2025 and 2050), unleashing a dark force that leads towards the demise and deaths of the characters, and a revelation that would keep you on the edge of your seats. This film features a star-studded roster of lead actors: Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Richard Gutierrez, Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andallo, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu.
I’mPerfect
- A first for Philippine cinema, I’mPerfect stars actors with Down Syndrome, Earl Amaba and Krystel Go, in a touching story about love, identity, and acceptance. Supported by showbiz veterans Joey Marquez, Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, and Sylvia Sanchez (who also produces through Nathan Studios, Inc.), the film is directed by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo.
Love You So Bad
- The film is a joint production of ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and written by Crystal San Miguel, the film is inspired by the late Wenn V. Deramas’ film ‘Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita’ starring Claudine Barretto, Diether Ocampo, and the late Rico Yan. The film stars are Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Housemates Bianca de Vera, Dustin Yu, and Will Ashley.
UnMarry
- Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo reunite in this legal drama directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and produced by Quantum Films and CINEKO Productions. Inspired by real-life annulment cases, the film explores the thin line between love, loss, liberation, and second chances— marking Panganiban’s highly anticipated big-screen comeback.
Bar Boys: After School
- A sequel to the beloved 2017 indie film that goes by the same title, Bar Boys: After School takes place a decade after the events of Bar Boys. Produced by 901 Studios, the film is directed and written by Kip Oebanda, who also worked on the first film. Starring new faces such as Will Ashley, Sassa Gurl, Klarisse de Guzman, Therese Malvar, Glaiza de Castro and Benedix Ramos. Original casts Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano reprise their roles as Erik, Torran, Christian, and Joshua, respectively. Odette Khan returns as Justice Hernandez, as well.
As the Metro Manila Film Festival marks its 51st year, it continues to be more than just a celebration of film—it is a living testament of the creativity and resilience of Filipino storytellers. With this year’s diverse lineup, MMFF 2025 reminds audiences that local cinema remains a powerful reflection of who we are: bold, emotional, and proudly Filipino.
By tradition, the MMFF lineup is slated to premiere on December 25, 2025—Christmas Day — in cinemas nationwide.
Written by Freihane Siddayao
