MMFF Reveals the First Four Official Entries for 2026
Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto’s highly anticipated team-up, The Greatest Showdown, leads the first batch of films for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Selection Committee officially unveiled the first four films that will make up this year’s coveted Magic 8 during an announcement on Tuesday, July 7.
From comedy and horror to fantasy and heartfelt drama, the initial lineup offers something for every kind of moviegoer—making the annual Christmas movie tradition one families can already start looking forward to.
The Greatest Showdown
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the announcement is The Greatest Showdown, which marks the first-ever movie collaboration between comedy superstars Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda.
The film will be directed by Jun Robles Lana, who previously worked with Vice on MMFF hits And The Breadwinner Is and Call Me Mother. With two of the country’s biggest box office draws sharing the screen for the first time, expectations are understandably high.
Both Vice and Vic were present to greet the audience and also took cues from their respective shows to invite and watch their first film together.
Haunted Carnival
For families who enjoy a good scare, Regal Entertainment is bringing horror back to the MMFF with Haunted Carnival.
The film features an impressive cast led by Maricel Soriano, John Arcilla, James Reid, Julia Barretto, and Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 winner Fyang Smith. Joey de Guzman directs it.
Amir
GMA Pictures enters this year’s festival with Amir, a fantasy drama starring Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, and Argus Aspiras. Dennis and Argus portray a father-and-son duo, promising an emotional story anchored on family relationships.
The film is directed by Zig Dulay, whose previous MMFF entries, Firefly and Green Bones, received critical acclaim for their heartfelt storytelling.
2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7
Also joining the lineup is 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7, the sequel to the 2019 Filipino adaptation of the beloved Korean film.
Aga Muhlach reprises his lead role, with Nuel Naval taking the helm as director.
Three Cities to Host the 2026 MMFF
The MMFF also announced that this year’s 52nd edition will have three host cities.
Mandaluyong and San Juan will jointly host the festival’s Metro Manila events, while Bacolod will host activities in the Visayas.
The Parade of Stars is scheduled for December 11 in Bacolod and December 18 in Mandaluyong and San Juan.
During the announcement, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora shared that his team and Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos are already coordinating the parade route and working closely with Bacolod’s local government for the festivities.
Moviegoers can also expect a standard ticket price of ₱299 for all MMFF entries.
The remaining four films that will complete this year’s Magic 8 are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first four films announced are The Greatest Showdown, Haunted Carnival, Amir, and 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7.
Yes. The Greatest Showdown marks the first time comedy icons Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda are starring together in a film. It is directed by Jun Robles Lana.
The 52nd MMFF will be jointly hosted by Mandaluyong and San Juan for Metro Manila events, while Bacolod will host festival activities in the Visayas.
The Parade of Stars will be held on December 11 in Bacolod and on December 18 in Mandaluyong and San Juan.
The MMFF Committee announced that tickets for all festival entries will cost ₱299.
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