Diverse last batch of MMFF entries include ‘Little Hope,’ 'Seeds of Peace’

The second batch of  entries to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was announced on Monday, October 12, completing this year’s lineup of eight films set to screen in Philippine cinemas during the holiday season.

The four newly announced entries are “Little Hope,” “Los Salvajes Bravos,” “Perfect Marriage,” and “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Father Rhoel D. Gallardo.” The selection offers moviegoers a mix of genres, from romantic comedy and historical drama to a biographical documentary.

 “Little Hope,” starring Yassi Pressman, Pepe Herrera, and child actress Cailey Ayesha Magno, is directed by Benedict Mique, the filmmaker behind “Lolo and the Kid.” The movie blends drama, romance, and comedy.

Meanwhile, “Los Salvajes Bravos” brings historical drama to the festival. Directed by Paolo Dy, the film stars Romnick Sarmienta and Ruru Madrid. It comes from the production team behind “Gomburza,” the most awarded film at the 2023 MMFF.

Another addition is “Seeds of Peace: The Life of Father Rhoel D. Gallardo,” a biographical documentary directed by Rommel Galapia Ruiz. The film features Zaijian Jaranilla, Angelie Sanoy, and Elora Españo in its cast.

Completing the second batch is “A Perfect Marriage,” which stars Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Villegas, . His previous MMFF projects include “Uninvited,” which competed in 2024, and “English Only, Please,” a 2014 entry that earned him the festival’s Best Director award.

The four new selections join the first batch of films announced in July: “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” “The Greatest Showdown,” “Amir,” and “The Haunted Carnival.” Official trailers for these titles have since been released and are available on their respective social media accounts and YouTube channels.

With the second batch now revealed, all eight official entries for MMFF 2026 have been confirmed. The films are scheduled to open in cinemas nationwide on December 25.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated MMFF Parade of Stars is scheduled for December 12 in Bacolod, followed by events in San Juan and Mandaluyong on December 19.