The highly-anticipated Sinag Maynila Film Festival is back for its seventh edition, celebrating the best of contemporary Filipino filmmaking. This year's festival will feature a curated selection of full-length features, documentaries, and short films from both established and rising Filipino filmmakers. All official finalist films will be screened in select Metro Manila theaters this September 24-30, 2025.
Founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and Cannes International Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, Sinag Maynila continues its mission to provide a platform for stories that are uniquely Filipino.
At the recently held Sinag Maynila 2025 mediacon, the official lineup was unveiled, covering categories such as full-length features, short films, and documentary shorts.
During the program proper, the filmmakers openly addressed the declining audience turnout in cinemas. While acknowledging the challenge, they remained hopeful, stressing that with strong storytelling and proper execution, Filipino audiences will continue to support local films.
The mediacon also gave the spotlight to the lead stars of the full-length feature entries, who shared their excitement about being part of this year’s festival. You can watch our full coverage and interviews with the lead stars in the video below.
Sinag Maynila continues its tradition of empowering Filipino filmmakers, receiving a record number of submissions from across the country.
Festival co-founder Wilson Tieng expressed his enthusiasm, saying:
“The enthusiasm from the filmmaking community is exactly what Sinag Maynila is all about. We are thrilled to continue our advocacy for Sine Lokal, Pang-International and provide a space where these talented individuals can share their work with a wider audience.”
Director Brillante Mendoza echoed this by highlighting the importance of giving filmmakers a platform that respects creative freedom while pushing for globally competitive Filipino cinema.
Screenings and Ticket Info
Sinag Maynila 2025 films will be screened at Gateway, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Fairview. Tickets are priced at Php 250 each, making the festival accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Official Lineup
Full-Length Feature Films
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Candé by Kevin Pison Piamonte – starring Gian G. Pomperada, JC Santos, and Sunshine Teodoro
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Jeongbu by Topel Lee – starring Aljur Abrenica, Ritz Azul, and Empress Schuck
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Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa (The Teacher) by Joel Lamangan – starring Rita Daniela, Jak Roberto, and Albie Casiño
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Selda Tres (Cell Number 3) by GB Sampedro – starring Carla Abellana, JM de Guzman, and Cesar Montano
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Altar Boy by Serville Poblete – starring Mark Bacolcol, Shai Barcia, and Pablo S.J. Quiogue
For the documentary section included in the Open call category are “Bai” by Dimae "Ben" Holzhauer, “Embo Between Two Cities” by Charles Kirby Fabellon, “Mga Bayaning Ayta” (Ayta Heroes) by Donnie Sacueza, and “Oscar's Recipe” by Giovanni Piolo V. Rayla. In the documentary student category are “Alon Likha” (Waves of Creation) by Deanne Marie S. Idanan, “Ballasiwen Ti Pinagbiyag” (Across The Divide) by Ahron Cula, “Daungan Ng Mga Naghihintay” (Where The Waiting Docks) by Kaila Arvi B. Ariston, “Kaliwa” (Kaliwa: The Dam) Jade Oraa, “Pagtipig” (Keeping) by Reutsche Colle Lima, “Pendiyente” by Zyra Mae Plegaria, “PDL 000 “ by Zechri Jacob L. Alvarez, “Puno’t Dulo Ng Bahaghari” (Beginning And End Of The Rainbow) by Kyle Dexter Millave, “Romeo And Julie” by Ysamae Yrrah Carelo and Edward John Louis Factes, “Sa Wakas, Kasama” (Finally, With You) by Janno Pelias, and “Tuninong Na Pagpayaba” (Silent Love) by Lorenz Adler A. Villamor.
For the short films, the lineup for the Open Call category includes “Ang Babayi sa Suba” (The Woman From The River) by Jonathan Jurilla, “Ang Gadya Sang Suba” (The Tale Of The River Monster) by Daniel de la Cruz, “Defectives” by Jalen Buenaseda, “Hello, Mr. Jenkins” by Gian Arre & Flo Reyes, “Kataw” by Alyssa Ashley Manugas, “Lip Sync Assassin” by Jon Galvez, “Muli Na Ka, Merlie” (Merlie, Go Home) by Shane David, “Nagahanaw Na Mga Aninipot” (Vanishing Fireflies) by JP Corton, “Open Time” by Mark Moneda, “Parapo” (Stop!) by Jhonny Bobier, “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair) by VinJo Entuna, “Si Sir kag ang Gamay nga Bata” (Sir And The Kid) by Seb Valdez, “Together” by Blasgil C. Tanquilut, “Transients” by Kyla Danelle Romero, “Walk with Jesus” by Redh Honoridez, and “Walo-walo: Walo ka Adlaw nga Kanay, Walo ka Adlaw nga Labugay” (Sea Krait: Eight Days of Calm, Eight Days of Turbulence) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission.
Included in the lineup of short films students category are “50/50” (FIFTY/ FIFTY) by Kien Manuntag, “Akin Ang Buhok Ko” (My Hair Is Mine) by Luke Salazar, “Alimuom” (Petrichor) by Yasmin Andrea Chan, “Alingawngaw” (Dissonance) by Marco Bravo, “Ang Luha Ay Bahagi Ng Karagatan” (Tears Are Part Of The Ocean) by Ryner Viray, “Bisa” (Power You Hold) by Sabrina San Juan & Jan Nicole Nieves, “Boi” by Luke Del Castillo, “Forty-Nine, Fifty” by Johnfil Crisjim Nunez, “In Case You Miss It” by Jadrien Morales, “Ipon-Ipon” by John Rev A. Remo, “Kadigaguman” (Echo) by Zarrina Fernandez, “Lado” (Rotten Coconut) by John Rey De La Cruz, “Mga Aningal Sa Taguangkan” (Echoes From The Womb) by Rovic Lopez, “MIK-AP” (Make-Up) by Justiny Sayson, “Nostalgia” by Aries C. Ferrer, “Opportunity” by Eunice Sy, “Puhon” (Someday) by Lady Princes A. Tero, “Sa Humba Nimo” (Your Humba) by Allen Joshua S. Trinidad, “Si Balong At Si Doro” (Balong And Doro) by Jenser Recosana, “Taga-Taga” (Praying Mantis) by Trini Archie V. Garcia, “The Night is Alive” by Vincent Ibut, “Through The Viewfinder” by Charlie Garcia Vitug, “Tinigom” (Savings) by Keith Nemenzo, “Una’t Huling Inuman” (First And Last Drinking Session) by Dominic Rivera, and “Walahanon” (Left) by Kristal Kaye C. Tadle.
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