2nd annual Manila International Film Festival schedule of films reset with MMFF entries, plus more screenings of new features, with a world premiere, a tribute, panel discussions with Hollywood Creatives, and a fund-raising event to help Southern California wildfire relief aids

By Oliver Carnay

Originally scheduled from January 30 to February 2, because of the impact of the southern wildfires in Los Angeles, the new dates for the 2025 Manila International Film Festival will be from March 4-7, 2025.  According to the new schedule, a press conference is scheduled for early morning on March 4, the first day of the festival.  The documentary film “Eraserheads: Combo On The Run” will start at 3:30 pm with a Q&A following the screening.  
 
A tribute of “Genghis Khan” and the “The Debut” (a landmark Filipino-American film celebrating its 25th year anniversary) will follow at 6:20 p.m., to be attended by some of the cast and filmmakers: Dante Basco, Gene Cajayon, John Castro, and more.  
 
A special screening with a Q&A of the new Hollywood movie “Love Hurts,” directed by Fil-Am Jonathan Eusebio (in his directing debut), starring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana de Bose, Daniel Wu, and Cam Gigandet will be at 9:15 p.m., following the “The Debut” screening with Q&A.
 
Second day of the festival at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 5, there will be a panel for Hollywood Agents, Managers, and a Casting Directors Roundtable to be attended by actors Reggie Lee, Jon Jon Briones, Mark Labella, Dingdong Dantes, Hollywood Managers – Chris Lee, Loren Abento, Christian Bustamante, and more.
 
On Thursday, March 6, the “Cinematographer’s Panel – Secrets Revealed!” panel discussion is set at 9 a.m., with special guests, Hollywood Cinematographers Natasha Braier, Andre Bartkowiak, Steve Shaw, Roberto Schaefer, Sandra Valde-Hanse, Jerzy Zielinski, and Michael Shugrue.
 
Another panel is set at 2 p.m. (March 6), “How To Awards Season Your Film & TV Project 3.0,: with special guests Lisa Lew, Winston Emano, David Magdael, Annalee Paulo, and Blanca Parkes.
 
Screenings of nine films from the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entries (MMFF) from the recent 50th MMFF are spread out through the rest of the festival (“Isang Himala” will not be showing in the festival, unfortunately).  The films showing at MIFF are Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner is .. ,” Chito S. Roño’s “Espantaho,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones,” Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Hold Me Close,” Crisanto B. Aquino’s “My Future You,” Kerwin Go’s “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Hospital Killer,” Michael Tuviera’s “The Kingdom,” Richard Somes’ “Topakk” and Dan Villegas “Uninvited.” Guests from each film for the Q&A after the screening are expected to arrive and be announced during a MIFF press conference (stay tuned).
 
Note: All festival screenings during the four-day festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatres 6 on Hollywood Blvd.  Schedule of some films may be subject to change.  For the latest updated schedule, please go to www.manilainternationalfilmfest.com 
 
 
Other highlights of the festival include a Q&A with actor Alden Richards after the screening of the blockbuster Filipino movie “Hello, Love, Again” screening at 2:45 on Wednesday, March 5th.
 
The world Premiere of the musical film “Song of the Fireflies,” starring Morisette Amon, Rachel Alejandro, Noel Comia, Jr., Kristal Brimmer, Cris Villonco, and the Loboc Children’s Choir.  The film is an inspiring movie based on the true story of the Loboc Children’s Choir.
The Closing Night Ceremony “A Tribute Dinner to Our First Responders,” dedicated to the heroes and victims of the southern wildfires, will be held on March 7, at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.  A portion of the proceeds from the MIFF events, including its screenings, will be donated to the Los Angeles fire relief efforts.  All these events will have fund-raising aspects.
 
For how to purchase tickets and list of all films, panels, and other information, please go to www.manilainternationalfilmfest.com