MMFF rolls out diverse holiday lineup
The MMFF returns to cinemas today with eight films, banking on two main draws: a wide range of genres and a roster of bankable stars.
This year’s lineup spans comedy, romance, horror, crime thrillers, and socially grounded dramas, giving holiday audiences plenty of options depending on their mood.
Call Me Mother
This comedy-drama, directed by Jun Robles Lana, pairs Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre in a story centered on unconventional family ties. Vice Ganda stars as Twinkle, a queer pageant coach determined to complete the adoption of his son, while Nadine plays Mara, a beauty queen and the boy’s biological mother, whose unexpected return complicates Twinkle’s plans.
The supporting cast includes Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition former housemates Klarisse de Guzman, Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo, Esnyr Ranollo, River Joseph, and Shuvee Etrata.
Rekonek
This film is the only Christmas-themed entry in this year’s festival. Directed by Jade Castro, it is set during a sudden global internet blackout 10 days before Christmas. The film follows the stories of six Filipino families forced to confront unresolved issues offline.
The ensemble includes Gerald Anderson, Carmina Villarroel, Gloria Diaz, Zoren Legaspi, Bela Padilla, Andrea Brillantes, Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, Charlie Dizon, Kelvin Miranda, Angel Guardian, and Kokoy de Santos.
Manila’s Finest
unfolding amid political unrest
This period crime thriller, directed by Raymond Red, transports viewers to 1969 Manila. Piolo Pascual portrays a police officer entangled in a morally complex investigation amid political unrest. He is joined by Rica Peralejo, Enrique Gil, Dylan Menor, and Ashtine Olviga, with supporting performances from Cedrick Juan, Romnick Sarmenta, Kiko Estrada, Joey Marquez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Rico Blanco, and Soliman Cruz.
Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins
horror stories drawing from Filipino folklore across different eras
The all-time favorite horror film returns to the festival through “Evil Origins,” the latest installment in the long-running anthology franchise. Directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Loreños, the film presents three standalone stories drawing from Filipino folklore across different eras.
The cast includes Carla Abellana, Janice de Belen, Manilyn Reynes, Richard Gutierrez, Ivana Alawi, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Loisa Andalio, Ysabel Ortega, Ashley Ortega, Kaila Estrada, Dustin Yu, and Sassa Gurl.
I’mPerfect
This social drama, directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, focuses on a love story between two adults with Down syndrome, portrayed by Krystel Go and Earl Amaba. The film explores independence, love, and acceptance, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Sylvia Sanchez, Janice de Belen, Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, and Zaijian Jaranilla.
Love You So Bad
The romantic comedy directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar stars former PBB housemates Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, and Dustin Yu. This Y2K-themed coming-of-age drama is a story about love, choices, and second chances. Supporting roles are played by Dimples Romana, Xyriel Manabat, Vince Maristela, Ralph de Leon, and Reign Parani.
UnMarry
In this family drama, director Jeffrey Jeturian tackles marital breakdown through a legal lens. Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo reunite in this MMFF project, leading the cast as a couple whose separation unfolds through courtroom confrontations and personal reckonings. The film also stars Eugene Domingo, Solenn Heussaff, Donna Cariaga, KaladKaren, Tom Rodriguez, and Nico Antonio.
Bar Boys: After School
Directed by Kip Oebanda, the film reunites Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano to reprise their roles and now follows their stories beyond law school and into adulthood.
Joining them are seasoned actress Odette Khan and additional new cast members, including Will Ashley, Glaiza de Castro, Therese Malvar, Sassa Gurl, Klarisse de Guzman, Emilio Daez, Benedix Ramos, and Bryce Eusebio.
Prior to the opening of the annual festival, which is currently organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), numerous ramp-up events were held, including a parade hosted by the City of Makati. The MMFF Golf Tournament was also held, and one lucky participant took home a brand new car from Geely Philippines.
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).
