The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
Out of twenty-three (23) submissions, only four were officially selected as the first batch of entries to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
It was indeed a competitive race to reach the first top slots of the annual festival which kicks off Christmas day. December 25, 2025 and usually ends on the first week of the New Year.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the release of the first four entries, namely: “Call Me Mother,” a comedy drama from ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., The IdeaFirst Company and Viva Communications, Inc., directed by Jun Robles Lana, written by Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana and Jun Robles Lana and top billed by Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre;
“Rekonek,” a family drama from Reality MM Studios, directed by Jade Castro, written by Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta and Kat Naval and starred Carmina Villaroel, Gerald Anderson. Zoren Legaspi, Alexa Miro and Gloria Diaz;
“Manila’s Finest,” a crime thriller from Signal TV, Inc. directed by Rae Red, written by Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang and Sherad Anthony Sanchez and featured Piolo Pascual and
“Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,” a trilogy horror from Regal Entertainment, Inc. directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman and Ian Lorenos, written by Alex Castro, Onay Sales and Gina Marissa-Tagasa and showcased Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andallo, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, 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 four entries were chosen based on script submissions, representing a wide variety of genres, highlighting the creativity and versatility of the Filipino filmmakers.
According to MMDA and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes the positive reception of the public for last year’s golden jubilee of the MMFF has set a high bar for the 51st edition and 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,” said Artes during the grand launch of the 51st MMFF and announcement of the first batch of official film entries in Makati City, hosted by Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of his administration’s initiatives, has been actively promoting and supporting the MMFF for its role in showcasing Filipino stories and cultural significance.
The President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos are also working to boost the Philippine movie industry and its workforce, under Bagong Pilipinas.
In her welcome remarks, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay said they are thrilled to have been chosen as the festival’s host city and that Makati will support the Parade of Stars and all the movies participating in the festival.
“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,” said Artes.
The MMFF’s selection committee, headed by Boots Anson-Rodrigo, carefully reviewed each submission based on the following criteria: artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural sensibility, and global appeal.
The first batch of entries will form part of the official eight entries to the 51st MMFF.
The remaining four entries will be selected from finished film submissions with a deadline of September 15, 2025.
The country’s most anticipated MMFF is organized by the MMDA and held during the Christmas season, aimed primarily at promoting and enhancing the preservation of Philippine Cinema.
Proceeds from the MMFF go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry, such as the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Academy of the Philippines (Fap Orig), the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). (with reports from MMFF/MMDA)