The countdown to the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has officially begun as organizers announced the first batch of four official film entries, offering audiences an early glimpse of the diverse stories set to compete in this year’s highly anticipated festival.

Hosted by San Juan City and Mandaluyong City, the annual celebration of Philippine cinema opens with a lineup that spans comedy, family drama, fantasy, and horror, bringing together some of the country’s biggest filmmakers and stars.

Leading the first wave is “The Greatest Showdown,” a comedy that marks the long-awaited big-screen pairing of comedy icons Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda. Directed by Jun Robles Lana from a screenplay by Jumbo Albano, the film is a collaboration among ABS-CBN Film Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, APT Entertainment, and MZET Productions.

Also making the list is “Haunted Carnival,” Regal Entertainment’s horror-thriller directed by Joey de Guzman. The ensemble cast includes John Arcilla, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, and Maricel Soriano, promising a suspense-filled attraction for horror fans.

Representing the fantasy genre is “Amir,” a GMA Pictures production helmed by acclaimed director Zig Dulay. Penned by National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, the film stars Argus Aspiras, Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, and Glaiza de Castro.

Completing the first batch is “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” Viva Communications’ follow-up to the beloved drama. Directed by Nuel Naval and written by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, the emotional family film features Aga Muhlach in the lead role.

Festival organizers said the announcement is only the beginning, with four more official entries and additional festival updates expected in the coming weeks as preparations continue for one of the country’s biggest annual film events.

The lineup for the first batch of official entries for the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival

2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7

Production: Viva Communications, Inc.

Genre: Family Drama

Director: Nuel Naval

Screenwriter: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Lead Star: Aga Muhlach

Amir

Production: GMA Pictures

Genre: Fantasy Drama

Director: Zig Dulay

Screenwriters: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza

Lead Stars: Argus Aspiras, Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, Glaiza de Castro

Haunted Carnival

Production: Regal Entertainment, Inc.

Genre: Horror / Suspense / Thriller

Director: Joey de Guzman

Screenwriter: Allan Tijamo

Lead Stars: John Arcilla, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Fyang Smith, Maricel Soriano

The Greatest Showdown

Production: ABS-CBN Film Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, APT Entertainment, MZET Productions

Genre: Comedy

Director: Jun Robles Lana

Screenwriter: Jumbo Albano

Lead Stars: Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda