The 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is heating up early with strong buzz surrounding potential entries featuring some of the country’s biggest stars — including Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, and power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
Submission for screenplays officially closed on May 26, with a total of 23 scripts submitted. While the announcement of the four official entries has been delayed pending the swearing-in of newly elected Metro Manila mayors — which will determine this year’s host city — excitement continues to build over rumored participating films.
Star Cinema reportedly submitted two entries, with one project said to reunite Vice Ganda and director Jun Robles Lana, this time possibly pairing the Unkabogable Star with Nadine Lustre. While no confirmation has been made, the collaboration is already generating strong anticipation online.
Another major contender involves Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, who are expected to return to the big screen following the phenomenal success of their 2023 blockbuster ‘Rewind’, which topped the MMFF box office that year.
Meanwhile, Regal Films is also said to have submitted two films, while other production houses such as GMA Pictures, Viva Films, Cineko Productions, and Nathan Studios are joining the fray. Nathan Studios, owned by actress Sylvia Sanchez, has reportedly submitted ‘I’m Perfect’, which has already begun shooting.
Cineko Productions, on the other hand, is said to have tapped veteran actress Hilda Koronel for a family drama project, marking a highly anticipated return to the festival stage.
MMFF insiders also revealed that GMA Pictures, following the back-to-back success of ‘Firefly’ and ‘Green Bones’, has an entry in the works, solidifying its continued presence in the local film scene.
While the Magic 8 has been the traditional selection format for the MMFF, there is speculation that the final lineup could expand once again to ten entries, depending on the quality and diversity of submissions — especially with the call for more family-friendly and children-focused films following their absence last year.
The official announcement of the first four chosen entries is expected sometime next month.
