MMFF 2025 Announces First Four Films Featuring Major Filipino Stars

The film industry in 2025 is showcasing a diverse slate of movies that blend original storytelling with relevant social themes. Hollywood is beginning to explore the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop for films, with projects like Ari Aster's upcoming drama 'Eddington' and other pandemic-themed movies such as '7 Days' and 'The End of Us' highlighting personal and relational impacts of the crisis. Meanwhile, the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has kicked off with its first four entries featuring major Filipino stars, promising a mix of horror, comedy, and strong cultural narratives, underlining the festival's goal to usher in a new era for Philippine cinema. In South Asia, August 2025 brings a wave of big-budget Bollywood and South Indian releases, including 'Dhadak 2,' which addresses caste discrimination, 'Coolie' starring Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, and 'War 2,' an action-packed spy thriller expanding the YRF Spy Universe. For cinephiles seeking heartfelt dramas, the film 'Junior' offers a touching story about family and identity. This rich variety of cinema highlights the industry's efforts to balance blockbuster appeal with meaningful, culturally resonant storytelling.