MMFF announces first four official entries for 2025 festival
The first four MMFF 2025 official entries are the following:
• Call Me Mother Director: Jun Robles Lana
Lead Cast: Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre
• Rekonek Director: Jade Castro
Lead Cast: Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legaspi
• Manila's Finest Director: Rae Red
Lead Cast: Piolo Pascual
• Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños
Lead Cast: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu.
MMFF Overall Chair and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said the films were selected from 23 submitted scripts. The remaining four entries will be announced on September 30.
This year's festival marks a return to the traditional eight-film format after several years of featuring ten entries. Artes said the change is intended to allow more theaters to screen each film and boost their commercial performance.
The 2025 edition carries the theme 'MMFF 51: A New Era for Philippine Cinema,' reflecting the festival's aim to elevate the quality and impact of local filmmaking.
'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.
Organized annually by the MMDA, the MMFF showcases all-Filipino films and screens exclusively in cinemas nationwide from December 25 through the New Year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
09-07-2025
- Filipino Times
MMFF announces first four official entries for 2025 festival
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveiled on Tuesday the first four official entries for its 51st edition set to run during the 2025 holiday season. The first four MMFF 2025 official entries are the following: • Call Me Mother Director: Jun Robles Lana Lead Cast: Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre • Rekonek Director: Jade Castro Lead Cast: Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legaspi • Manila's Finest Director: Rae Red Lead Cast: Piolo Pascual • Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños Lead Cast: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu. MMFF Overall Chair and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said the films were selected from 23 submitted scripts. The remaining four entries will be announced on September 30. This year's festival marks a return to the traditional eight-film format after several years of featuring ten entries. Artes said the change is intended to allow more theaters to screen each film and boost their commercial performance. The 2025 edition carries the theme 'MMFF 51: A New Era for Philippine Cinema,' reflecting the festival's aim to elevate the quality and impact of local filmmaking. '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. Organized annually by the MMDA, the MMFF showcases all-Filipino films and screens exclusively in cinemas nationwide from December 25 through the New Year.
Filipino Times
08-06-2025
- Filipino Times
Julia Montes denies rumors she and Coco Martin have a love child
Actress Julia Montes has dismissed speculation that she and longtime partner Coco Martin have a love child, saying the child star Zia Grace — who appeared in her series 'Saving Grace' — is not their daughter. In an interview with journalist Karen Davila, Montes acknowledged the rumors, saying they're untrue despite the striking resemblance between Zia and Martin. 'Zia, when you look at her, she has the same features as Coco. So even we agree that she could be mistaken for our child. But no, she is not our daughter. Zia has parents of her own,' she said in Tagalog. Montes said it was unfair for Zia's real parents to be dragged into the issue, especially since the young actress is just beginning her career. 'It's pitiful for her parents. It's overwhelming. But Zia is happy because we joke about taking her home with me. She always says yes. So we really do have a special relationship.' When asked whether she and Martin plan to have kids of their own, Montes smiled and replied, 'Yes, of course. That's the happiness in life — family life.' The speculation about a child resurfaced in July 2024 after TV host Willie Revillame thanked 'Coco, Julia, and your children' during his show 'Wil to Win,' which sparked renewed curiosity among fans. Martin has yet to comment on the remark, though he also stirred speculation when he referred to Montes as 'Nanay' at the premiere of her MMFF film 'Topakk.' The couple has kept their relationship largely private, though Martin confirmed in May 2023 that they had been together for 12 years, finally ending long-standing rumors about their romance.
Filipino Times
03-05-2025
- Filipino Times
Ricky Davao's partner mourns his passing: 'Life doesn't feel right without you'
Mayeth Malca, the partner of veteran actor and director Ricky Davao, has expressed deep sorrow over his passing. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Malca shared a photo of Ricky holding a floral bouquet and penned a touching tribute to her 'dearest bubba,' recalling his strength and courage throughout his battle with cancer. 'You were the bravest and strongest person I have ever known,' she wrote. 'The best decision I ever made was to be with you and never leave your side.' She remembered Ricky frequently asking if she was tired, to which she always responded, 'I will never get tired of taking care of you—because we are in this journey together.' Malca said he made her believe in unconditional love, helping her discover a part of herself that could endure anything for love. 'Bubba, mahal na mahal kita sobra,' she wrote. 'Thank you—for your love, your courage, your trust, and for letting me walk with you through your most difficult days.' She admitted struggling with his absence, describing a profound emptiness and saying, 'Life doesn't feel right without you.' Ricky Davao passed away due to complications from cancer, as confirmed by his daughter Ara on Friday evening. He was 63. With a career spanning four decades, Ricky earned acclaim for his roles in films like Abot Hanggang Sukdulan, Saranggola, and Ipaglaban Mo The Movie. He received honors from prestigious award-giving bodies such as FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and the Metro Manila Film Festival. He was previously married to actress Jackie Lou Blanco, with whom he later parted ways. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mayeth MaLca (@
