The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), fresh off the heels of its blockbuster golden edition last year, is setting the stage for a new era of Philippine cinema with the announcement of the first four official entries for its 2025 edition.

Chosen based on submitted screenplays, the initial lineup showcases a wide array of genres, highlighting the creativity, range, and bold storytelling of Filipino filmmakers.

The first four official MMFF 2025 entries are:

1. Call Me Mother
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Production: ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Communications Inc.
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Writers: Daisy G. Cayanan, Daniel S. Saniana, Jun Robles Lana
Lead Actors: Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre

2. Rekonek
Genre: Family Drama
Production: Reality MM Studios
Director: Jade Castro
Writers: Jericho Aguado, Leovic Arceta, Kat Naval
Lead Actors: Carmina Villarroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, Zoren Legaspi

3. Manila’s Finest
Genre: Crime Thriller
Production: Cignal TV Inc.
Director: Rae Red
Writers: Michiko Yamamoto, Moira Lang, Sherad Anthony Sanchez
Lead Actor: Piolo Pascual

4. Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Evil Origins
Genre: Horror
Production: Regal Entertainment Inc.
Directors: Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, Ian Loreños
Writers: Alex Castor, Onay Sales, Gina Marissa Tagasa
Lead Cast: Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Ysabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ryan Bang, Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, and Dustin Yu

This initial batch represents the festival’s continued goal to blend mass appeal with artistic merit, while encouraging filmmakers to create stories that entertain and inspire both local and global audiences.

More entries will be announced as the December film festival draws closer.