December 25, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival officially opens this Christmas Day, returning to its traditional eight-film lineup to give more movies a chance at box-office success.
“From 10, we returned to eight so that all films would have an opportunity to earn,” said Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair, lawyer Romando Artes, explaining the rationale behind scaling down the entries from last year’s 10 back to eight.
“We went back to the eight-film formula. More films will earn, the total gross will be bigger, so hopefully we surpass last year’s gross (earnings).”
Artes also stressed the festival’s continued focus on family-friendly content, even though there isn’t a strictly children’s film like the fantasy entries of past MMFF editions. “The movies ay pwede pang bagets, pambata, but hopefully in the next editions, there are films that are purely pambata.”
Expectations remain high despite last year’s box-office results falling short of the 2023 MMFF, which became the highest?grossing edition in history, with total receipts of around P1.069 billion from 10 official entries.
“Nasa P800 (million) plus (last year) so hopefully ma-surpass natin kahit konti,” Artes said.
This year, for the first time, the MMFF introduced sponsored premiere nights for every film (except “Love You So Bad,” which opted out), running from Dec. 15 to 23.
“Different dates, different cinemas. We’re sponsoring the premiere night of every single movie… and even the press conferences, all of them are being streamed (on MMFF official channels). We are truly supporting the promotion of the movies,” Artes added.
According to MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer, the sponsored premiere nights were designed to boost visibility and generate buzz.
“The MMFF premiere nights were a hit, bringing order to the usually chaotic December theater schedules. The event gave parallel importance to the films, heightening coverage and generating buzz among moviegoers. The advance reviews are looking promising, and it’s hoped that they’ll encourage more people to watch the films on opening day,” he told The STAR.
“The impact of the MMFF premiere nights is expected to be significant, with the festival showcasing eight diverse films, including rom-com, horror and social dramas. The event aims to promote Filipino cinema and provide a much-needed boost to the local film industry.”
Other activities to drum up publicity for this year’s MMFF were the “Parade of Stars” in Makati, as well as the MMFF Golf Tournament that awarded a brand-new car from Geely Philippines to a lucky participant.
“All these efforts are in support of the MMFF beneficiaries which include the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP),” Ferrer said.
On Dec. 27, the MMFF will hold its Gabi ng Parangal or awards night, which Ferrer described as “promises to be an elegant and integrity-filled event, featuring specially designed trophies by acclaimed artist Toym Imao. With Clodualdo ‘Doy’ del Mundo, a respected educator and awarded filmmaker, leading the jury, we’re expecting well-deliberated and enlightened results. The jury’s credibility and expertise ensure a fair and thoughtful selection process.”
Meanwhile, the eight films premiering today cover a wide range of genres and themes.
“Call Me Mother,” a heartwarming comedy-drama starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, explores family dynamics and adoption.
“Rekonek” is a family drama following multiple families coping with an extended internet outage, highlighting the importance of human connection.
“Manila’s Finest,” a crime thriller starring Piolo Pascual, is set in the late 1960s, exploring crime and duty in Manila.
“I’mPerfect,” a romantic drama featuring actors with Down Syndrome, showcases love and acceptance.
“Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins,” a horror anthology with multiple directors and an ensemble cast, keeps the chills coming.
“Love You So Bad” is a romantic drama about young love and identity.
“Unmarry,” a legal drama, tackles the complexities of annulment.
“Bar Boys: After School,” the sequel to the 2017 coming-of-age film, delves into life after school.
“These films demonstrate the festival’s commitment to showcasing technically excellent and pride-worthy Filipino cinema. The MMFF has indeed gauged the pulse of the movie-going public, offering something for everyone,” Ferrer said.
By supporting these films, audiences are not only guaranteed a festive cinematic experience but also a chance to uplift local talent. “Your support means the world to our filmmakers, and it’s a reminder that their stories matter, and their craft is valued,” he urged.
