BAGUIO CITY — The Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) kicks off its fifth year with a bold new initiative, launching its first-ever Cinema Open Film Competition.

This year’s festival, themed "Concentric Circles — Stories in Resonance," expects over 230 participants from across the country.

The competition aims to highlight the country’s diverse cinematic voices and celebrate the power of storytelling.

MFF founder Ferdie Balanag shared that for the Cinema Open Competition, finished film projects will be accepted and categorized. This marks a shift from previous years, when competitors were required to submit proposals before proceeding with their project entries.

In addition to the film competition, this year’s MFF will feature an animation festival in partnership with the Cordillera School for Digital Arts. This collaboration provides an opportunity for local animators from the Cordillera Region to showcase their creativity and talent in animation.

"Montañosa Film Festival is a holistic platform that not only allows filmmakers to present their work but also gives emerging filmmakers a space to explore and develop their craft," Balanag emphasized. He also announced that MFF 2025 will be further enriched by "Sinemusikain" — a month-long event combining cinema, food, music and a food fair. This exciting addition will feature free film screenings, live concerts and a vibrant food festival, offering something for every creative and cultural enthusiast.