The Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) marks its 5th year with a bold new step by launching its first-ever Cinema Open Film Competition.

This year's festival, themed "Concentric Circles – Stories in Resonance," is expecting over 230 participants from across the country. The competition aims to showcase the country's diverse cinematic voices and celebrate the power of storytelling.

MFF founder Ferdie Balanag explained that for this year's Cinema Open Competition, organizers will accept finished products and categorize them accordingly. He noted that in previous years, competitors had to submit their proposals first before proceeding with their project entries.

As part of MFF's comprehensive offerings, this year’s festival will also feature an animation festival in partnership with the Cordillera School for Digital Arts (CSDA). This initiative provides local animators from the Cordillera Region with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent in animation.

"Montañosa Film Festival is a holistic platform that not only gives filmmakers the opportunity to present their work but also provides a space for budding filmmakers to explore and develop their craft," Balanag stressed.

He also highlighted that MFF 2025 will be further enriched by "Sinemusikain"—a month-long event that combines cinema, food, and music. He elaborated that the event offers a mix of free film screenings, live concerts, and a vibrant food festival, catering to creative and cultural enthusiasts alike.