Get to know the first 4 entries of Metro Manila Film Festival’s 51st edition

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is already gearing up for its 51st edition! During a grand launch held on Tuesday, July 8, the first four official entries set to premiere on Christmas Day were excitingly unveiled.

Carrying the theme "A New Era for Philippine Cinema," this year's festival aims to build upon the significant success of the 50th edition. The previous run saw such public enthusiasm that its theatrical run was extended beyond its original schedule.

With expectations high following MMFF 50, the executive committee is hopeful for even stronger results this time around. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Don Artes expressed this optimism, stating, "We promise an even more exciting and engaging experience for the filmmakers and moviegoers alike for the 51st edition of the MMFF."

So, what films are making the first cut for MMFF 51? Here’s a look at the initial batch:

First up is "Call Me Mother," a comedy-drama following Twinkle, a queer single mother, who finds her journey with her adopted son, Angel, challenged when a woman named Mara appears before the adoption is finalized. The film stars Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda and is directed and written by Jun Robles Lana, with Daisy G. Cayanan and Daniel S. Saniana also contributing to the script. Production comes from ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., The Ideafirst Company, and Viva Communications, Inc.

"Rekonek" offers a multi-genre, multi-narrative exploration set during a Philippine Christmas. It tells the intertwined stories of six Filipinos navigating life without the internet. Directed by Jade Castro and written by Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, and Kat Naval, the film features a cast including Gloria Diaz, Carmina Villaroel, Gerald Anderson, Zoren Legaspi, and Alexa Miro. It is produced by Reality MM Studios.

Bringing the suspense is "Manila’s Finest," a crime-thriller set against the backdrop of the 1970s First Quarter Storm. The story centers on policemen Homer, Conrad, and Billy as they delve into the murder of teenagers in the slums, set against a backdrop of widening social inequality and increasing student dissent. Piolo Pascual stars in this film directed by Rae Red, with a screenplay by Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, and Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Cignal TV, Inc. is the producer.

Finally, the iconic horror franchise returns with "Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins." This installment spans three distinct eras – 1775, 2025, and 2050 – showcasing persistent horrors tied to ancient evil. Directed by Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños, and written by Alex Castor, Onay Sales, and Gina Marissa Tagasa, the film boasts a large ensemble cast including Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Richard Gutierrez, Ivana Alawi, and many others. Regal Entertainment, Inc. produces.

Typically, MMFF selections are announced in two batches. In both 2023 and 2024, the festival featured a total of 10 entries, with five announced in each batch. The fact that only four films were revealed in this first announcement sparks speculation: could the 51st MMFF revert to its traditional lineup of eight entries?

The festival follows a strong precedent, with Zig Dulay's "Green Bones" taking home Best Picture at the 2024 MMFF, a consecutive win for the director who also helmed the 2023 Best Picture, "Firefly."

Mark your calendars! The Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 opens its doors to moviegoers on December 25.