Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 unveils 4 new entries

Cinephiles, mark your calendars! The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 has just dropped the exciting second wave of its official entries, promising a diverse and impactful lineup for its 51st edition. While this year features a slightly trimmer selection with eight official films – two fewer than previous festivals – organizers assure audiences that the quality and storytelling remain as potent as ever.

The highly anticipated announcement unfolded at the University of Makati Performing Arts Theater on Friday, October 10. Guiding the reveal was actor and host Enchong Dee, joined by media personality Jervi “KaladKaren” Li Wrightson and beauty queen Ivy Nuqui, building anticipation for the four fresh titles joining the already-unveiled first batch.

Among the new additions is “I’MPERFECT,” a heartwarming yet poignant tale from Nathan Studios, directed by Sigrid Bernardo. It follows Jiro and Jessica, a couple navigating the complexities of life with Down Syndrome, seeking acceptance from their loved ones. Tragedy strikes when Jessica falls ill, leaving Jiro with cherished memories. The film features a stellar cast including Earl Amaba, Krystel Go, Lorna Tolentino, Sylvia Sanchez, and Janice de Belen.

Next up is “LOVE YOU SO BAD,” a joint venture by ABS-CBN Film Productions, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment. This Mae Cruz-Alviar-directed, Crystal San Miguel-written film draws inspiration from the late Wenn V. Deramas’ *Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita*. It stars former Pinoy Big Brother housemates Bianca de Vera, Dustin Yu, and Will Ashley, as it explores the journey of Savannah, an independent college senior torn between the wild allure of LA and the ambitious growth offered by Vic.

Angelica Panganiban makes her much-awaited comeback to the big screen with “UNMARRY,” produced by Quantum Films and CINEKO Productions, with celebrity lawyer Josabeth “Joji” Alonso also credited. Directed by Jeremy Jeturian and penned by Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba, the film intricately weaves the stories of two married couples facing the brink of divorce or struggling to save their unions. Their paths intertwine through a lawyer-cum-YouTube host named Jackie, leading Celine and Ivan to an unexpected friendship that helps them heal and discover a new kind of love. Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, and Solenn Heussaff join Panganiban in this compelling drama.

Rounding out the selection is “BAR BOYS: AFTER SCHOOL,” a sequel to the beloved 2017 indie hit. Set a decade later, the 901 Studios production sees director and writer Kip Oebanda return to the helm. The original quartet – Erik, Torran, Christian, and Joshua – portrayed by Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano, respectively, reunite when their former mentor, Justice Hernandez (Odette Khan), falls ill. As they guide the next generation of aspiring lawyers, they rediscover profound meanings in their own post-law school lives.

With eight diverse films now confirmed, the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival is poised to deliver another memorable cinematic experience, upholding its cherished tradition of premiering on Christmas Day. Following the success of Zig Dulay’s *Green Bones* as last year’s most awarded film, audiences can anticipate a fresh batch of stories ready to capture their hearts and minds.