Yassi Pressman, Kim Chiu get emotional as their films make it to MMFF lineup

Yassi Pressman and Kim Chiu couldn’t hide their emotions after the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) officially announced on Monday, October 12, that their respective films, “Little Hope” and “A Perfect Marriage,” had been selected as official entries for this year’s festival.

Shortly after the announcement, Yassi shared a photo of herself in tears, expressing her joy over the news that her family drama film had secured a spot in the annual film festival. 

Aside from starring in “Little Hope,” Yassi, 31, also serves as its co-producer. The project is her second co-production venture, following the game show “Tubig to Handle, “which she also co-produced.

“Isa itong napakalaking panalangin na natupad,” Yassi began in her Facebook post.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng bumubuo ng MMFF at sa ating mga jurors sa pagtanggap sa Little Hope. Buong puso po naming binuo ang kwentong ito, at ngayon pa lang, napakalaking bagay na pong malaman na maibabahagi namin ito sa inyo ngayong Pasko.”

The actress and producer also expressed her pride in her co-stars, including Pepe Herrera and Cailey Ayesha Magno, as well as the rest of the cast.

“Proud na proud po ako sa aming mga actors at sa bawat taong nagbigay ng oras, talento, at puso sa pelikulang ito. Sana po ay maramdaman ninyo ang pagmamahal na inilagay namin dito—at makapaghatid ang Little Hope ng liwanag, tawanan, at pag-asa sa inyong mga puso,” she continued.

“Ang dami ko pong gustong sabihin, pero sa ngayon… salamat po. Sobrang salamat,” she ended.

Yassi previously shared that  “Little Hope” is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about a child battling cancer.

Meanwhile, Kim also took to X to express her excitement and gratitude after learning that “A Perfect Marriage” had been included in the MMFF 2026 lineup.

“Yung kaba ko, GRABE!! Naiyak talaga ako nung in-announce ni Ms. Laurice Guillen ang family drama category!” she began.

The actress-host also thanked the festival organizers, her director, and the production team for giving her the opportunity to be part of the film.

“My heart is so full of gratitude! Maraming, maraming salamat po sa MMFF 2026 and to @quantumfilms @attyjoji for giving me this beautiful opportunity. @danvillegas”

Kim, 36, also announced the film’s release date, confirming that it will hit cinemas on Christmas Day.

“#APerfectMarriage this December 25 na po!! For better or for worse, MAGKASAMA TAYO!”

She ended her post by thanking everyone who supported the film, particularly fans of the KimPau "loveteam," while also congratulating her co-star, Paulo Avelino.

“Magkita-kita po tayo sa sinehan ngayong PASKO! Maraming salamat po sa tiwala at pagmamahal! Isang napakagandang Christmas gift po nito. Sa lahat ng #KimPau na nagdasal para sa movie maraming salamat. Eto na po ang simula. @mepauloavelino congrats!”

“A Perfect Marriage” follows Mara and Joel, played by Kim and Paulo, a seemingly perfect couple whose relationship faces intense emotional challenges after years of grief, personal failures, and the painful struggle to conceive a child.

The film’s official teaser is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, October 14, at 6 p.m.

The movie is another collaboration between Kim and Paulo, popularly known as the KimPau "loveteam." Their previous projects include “My Love Will Make You Disappear,” “Linlang,” and “The Alibi.”