The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has locked in its eight official entries for its 51st edition, and if crowd reactions at the announcement were any indication, audiences already have their early favorites.
Applause was loudest for “I’Mperfect,” the latest work from director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, which features a cast that includes individuals on the autism spectrum. The film, centered on identity and self-acceptance, drew warm support from the crowd for its inclusive representation and emotional premise.
Another major moment came with the confirmation of “Unmarry,” marking Angelica Panganiban’s much-anticipated return to the big screen. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the film explores love, expectations, and the shifting idea of marriage in modern Filipino life. For fans, it signals a homecoming for one of local cinema’s most charismatic leads.
Also making waves were three newcomers — Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, and Dustin Yu — whose first-ever movie, “Love You So Bad,” directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, landed a coveted spot among the so-called “Magic Eight.” For the trio, it’s a baptism of fire and a potential breakout moment.
Rounding out the final four is “Bar Boys: After School” from Kip Oebanda, a sequel to his 2017 coming-of-age hit. The film revisits its core characters as they face the challenges of adulthood and ambition beyond the classroom.
These titles join the previously announced “Call Me Mother,” “Rekonek,” “Manila’s Finest,” and “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins,” completing a lineup that stretches from drama and romance to thriller and horror.
This year’s MMFF lineup feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. It celebrates familiar names and introduces fresh faces, while also signaling a growing appetite for stories that reflect a more diverse and evolving Philippines.
As one festival insider put it, “It’s a slate that has something for everyone — heart, humor, horror, and hope.”
