The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
Despite the postponement of the 2025 Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California last February because of the raging wildfires that destroyed properties in LA, the 2nd MIFF which was moved to the first week of March went on with many Filipino stars in attendance.
The 2025 MIFF kicked off March 4, 2026 with a Tribute Gala held at the Beverly Hilton with a bevy of top artists who are specifically featured in the entries in this year’s celebration while the regular screenings were scheduled at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood the following day.
Most of the films that were screened were lined up in the recently concluded 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival held in Manila last December to the early part of January 2025.
Some of the films entered to the fest were “Espantaho,” a Quantum Films production which was represented by its producer Joji Villanueva Alonso with some of her stars Lorna Tolentino and Janice de Belen.
“Topakk,” a Nathan Film outing, was promoted by its lead star Arjo Atayde.
Piolo Pascual led the delegation of “The Kingdom,” an M-Zet Productions, MediaQuest Ventures and APT Entertainment’s presentation.
Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin represented Regal Films’ “My Future You.”
Top billers of the upcoming Star Cinema offering, “My Love Will Make You Disappear,” namely Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino were seen together to add glitz and glam to the event.
Other stars who were present in the event were Enchong Dee, Ruru Madrid with girlfriend Bianca Umali who represented HMA Pictures’ “Green Bones,” John Arcilla, Dingdong Dantes, Apl.de.Ap, Boots Anson Roa, among others.
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Lala Sotto was also in attendance.
Philippines’ First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos was around to give moral support to the local film industry professionals relevant to the occasion.
The 2025 MIFF ended March 7, 2025, US time.