Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Guide: When It Runs & How to Watch
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the Philippines' biggest movie event — a two-plus-week celebration of all-Filipino cinema that starts every December 25 and dominates the holiday box office. During the run, mainstream cinemas screen only the official MMFF entries, making it a cornerstone of the Filipino Christmas season.
When is the MMFF?
The festival opens on December 25 each year and runs into January (the 2025 edition, the 51st, ran December 25, 2025 to January 14, 2026). The next edition opens December 25, 2026, so plan your holiday movie-going around it. Official entries are typically announced in batches across the second half of the year.
How the MMFF works
- All-Filipino lineup: a slate of official full-length entries (usually eight) competes for awards; during the festival window, participating cinemas show these films exclusively.
- Parade of Stars: a festive parade of the entries' casts kicks off the season in the days before Christmas.
- Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night): the festival's award ceremony honors the best films, performances, and craft near the end of the run.
How to watch
Catch the entries at major cinema chains nationwide — SM Cinema, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, and more. Showtimes and screens fill up over the Christmas–New Year holidays, so check schedules and book ahead.
- See what's showing: browse movies now showing and cinema showtimes on Ganap.
FAQ
When does the MMFF start? Always on December 25, running about two to three weeks into January.
Are only Filipino films shown during the MMFF? Yes — during the festival period, participating mainstream cinemas screen the official all-Filipino MMFF entries.
Where can I watch MMFF films? At major cinema chains nationwide (SM Cinema, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, and others). Check showtimes on Ganap.
Find showtimes near you: now showing, coming soon, or all cinemas.