Three MMFF 2026 films we’re intrigued by
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is arguably one of the last local venues for box-office confidence, so it’s surprising—or maybe refreshing is the word—that parts of this year’s lineup seem less geared toward drawing the Christmas crowd, at least compared to recent editions.
Of course, there’s still a deliberate commercial backbone here, with unexpected, high-profile collaborations, the requisite all-star horror outing, and a return to a box-office hit.
But there are also stories that may need word of mouth to gain steam. There are romance dramas, but they feel more grounded and understated. There’s a historical drama, a documentary film, and fantasy mixed with social realism—and in parts, the lineup is reminiscent of smaller festivals like, say, Sinag Maynila.
Details about the eight entries remain limited so far, but from the trailers, teasers, and initial reports alone, here are three I’m already intrigued by.
“Amir”
Watching the teaser trailer, I couldn’t help but think of the children’s fantasy and adventure titles I grew up with, like “Magic Kingdom” or, maybe more fittingly, “Hiraya Manawari”—as if one of the latter’s stories had been given a feature-length treatment and updated visual effects.
With some scenes shot in Marawi City, “Amir” follows its young titular character (Argus Aspiras) and his father, Ali (Dennis Trillo). As danger descends on their village, they are thrust into “a desperate fight for survival that will test their love, challenge their faith, and reveal the extraordinary strength found in family.”
Produced by GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment, the film reunites director Zig Dulay with screenwriters Anj Atienza and National Artist Ricky Lee—the team behind “Green Bones.” In a previous interview with Lifestyle Inquirer, Trillo said the story takes place during the Marawi siege and is based on real events, documentaries, and accounts of people who sheltered in tunnels for months while bombing continued above them.
As in “Firefly,” Dulay once again turns to fantasy and a child’s perspective to depict life’s realities. It will be interesting to see how Amir’s perspective draws young viewers into a story of war and makes it accessible without minimizing what actually happened.
“Los Salvajes Bravos”
Once in a while, a post about Filipinos exhibited in a “human zoo” in Spain makes the rounds on social media. It was a dark episode in our colonial history, but may still be unfamiliar to many.
Ismael Alzate (Romnick Sarmenta), an Igorot ex-soldier loyal to Spain, leads a delegation of Indigenous Filipinos—“savages,” as they were called—to the 1887 Philippine Exposition at El Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. They arrive expecting to take part in a cultural showcase, only to find themselves put on display for European audiences. Humiliated and exploited, they begin plotting their escape and a way home.
Paolo Dy directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with playwright Juan Ekis. Produced by JesCom Films—the outfit behind “GomBurZa”—the film also stars Ruru Madrid, Michael de Mesa, Christian Vazquez, and Arnold Reyes. Parts were shot in Valladolid and Ciudad Rodrigo in Spain.
More than a century later, imperialism and racism continue to permeate society, making the story relevant today. By bringing this chapter in history to the big screen, the film may well inspire reflection and conversation about how the marginalized were treated—and continue to be treated.
“A Perfect Marriage”
If we’re going by casting alone—Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino in the lead roles—one might expect more of a traditional kilig romantic flick. But the title is ironic. The mood is dim and somber, and the characters look like a couple weathered by grief and failures.
They have always dreamed of having a child, but as director Dan Villegas said at the lineup announcement, not every dream comes true.
Directed by Villegas from a screenplay by Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba, the film sees Chiu and Avelino playing a married couple undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)—emotional, physical, financial strain, and all. In one exchange shown in the teaser, the doctor tells Mara (Chiu) that they harvested two eggs. She points out that there were five last time. “You were younger then, Mara,” the doctor says before suggesting another option: embryo donation.
Produced by Quantum Films and WASD Films, the film also stars Eugene Domingo and Zac Sibug. Fertility specialist Dr. Mark McKelvie served as a medical consultant.
That conversation hints at the toll of repeated attempts and the pressure of time. Many of us have heard of procedures like IVF, but how much do we actually know about what they involve—and what couples go through behind closed doors?
Eight films
Completing the lineup are “The Greatest Showdown,” which teams MMFF heavyweights Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto in Jun Robles Lana’s comedy about two warring families; and Joey de Guzman’s “Haunted Carnival,” an ensemble horror film starring Maricel Soriano, John Arcilla, Julia Barretto, James Reid, and Fyang Smith, among others.
Nuel Naval’s “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” starring Aga Muhlach, Xia Vigor, and Jodi Sta. Maria, expands the story of the 2019 Filipino adaptation. Benedict Mique’s “Little Hope,” starring Pepe Herrera and Yassi Pressman, follows a girl with cancer trying to find love and companionship for her father.
Meanwhile, Rommel Galapia Ruiz’s documentary “Seeds of Peace,” about Claretian missionary Fr. Rhoel D. Gallardo’s life and sacrifice, is one of this year’s more refreshing inclusions. Its eligibility, however, has been questioned over reports of earlier screenings that may conflict with the festival’s Philippine premiere requirement.
The 52nd MMFF opens on Dec. 25
