The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), fresh off the heels of a successful golden edition last year, is setting the stage for a new era of Philippine cinema with the announcement of the first official entries for this year's festival.

The first batch of entries, chosen based on script submissions, represents a wide variety of genres, highlighting the creativity and versatility of Filipino filmmakers.

The first four MMFF 2025 official entries are the following:

• CALL ME MOTHER

Production: ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., The IdeaFirst Company, & Viva Communications, Inc.
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Scriptwriters: Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana, and Jun Robles Lana
Lead Actors: Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre

• REKONEK

Production: Reality MM Studios
Director: Jade Castro
Scriptwriters: Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, and Kat Naval
Lead Actors: Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legaspi

• MANILA’S FINEST

Production: Cignal TV, Inc.
Director: Rae Red
Scriptwriters: Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, Sherad Anthony Sanchez
Lead Actor: Piolo Pascual

• SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL EVIL ORIGINS

Production: Regal Entertainment, Inc.
Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey De Guzman, and Ian Loreños
Scriptwriters: Alex Castor, Onay Sales, and Gina Marissa Tagasa
Lead Actors: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega,
Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Marilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF Concurrent Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the positive reception of the public for last year's golden jubilee of the MMFF has set a high bar for the 51st edition, and the MMFF Executive Committee is keen on building the momentum.

"We promise an even more exciting and engaging experience for the filmmakers and moviegoers alike for the 51st edition of the MMFF. With the first batch of entries revealed, get ready for an exciting cinematic journey in December," said Artes during the grand launch of the 51st MMFF and announcement of the first batch of official film entries at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, Makati City, on Tuesday afternoon.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of his administration's initiatives, has been actively promoting and supporting the MMFF for its role in showcasing Filipino stories and cultural significance.

The President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos are also working to boost the Philippine movie industry and its workforce, under Bagong Pilipinas.

For the MMFF's 51st edition, a total of 23 submissions were received, resulting in a competitive and challenging selection process.

Artes said, "The MMFF's call for entries, which yielded a large number of submissions, was overwhelming. The MMFF is committed to providing a platform for local filmmakers to connect with the audience. MMFF 51 is a new era for Philippine cinema."

The MMFF's selection committee, headed by Boots Anson-Rodrigo, carefully reviewed each submission based on the following criteria: artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural sensibility, and global appeal.

The first batch of entries will form part of the official eight entries to the 51st MMFF to be shown in cinemas nationwide beginning on 25 December, Christmas Day.

The remaining four entries will be selected from finished film submissions with a deadline of 15 September 2025.

The country's most anticipated MMFF is organized by the MMDA and held during the Christmas season, aimed primarily at promoting and enhancing the preservation of Philippine cinema.

Proceeds from the MMFF go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry, such as 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).