Photo credit: MMFF

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has unveiled the first four official entries for its 52nd edition, marking the start of this year's race for one of Philippine cinema's biggest annual events.

The first batch of official entries includes:

• 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7
• Amir
• Haunted Carnival
• The Greatest Showdown

The announcement was made during the festival's grand launch on Tuesday, with organizers saying four more films will be announced in the coming months to complete the eight-film lineup for the 2026 festival. The first four entries were selected from screenplay submissions, while the remaining entries will be chosen from completed films, following the MMFF's selection process.

"The excitement doesn't stop here! Stay tuned for the next four official film entries and more exciting announcements as we gear up for the biggest celebration of Philippine cinema," the MMFF said.

Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the MMFF is held annually during the Christmas season, with participating films enjoying an exclusive nationwide theatrical run beginning on Dec. 25. The festival remains one of the country's biggest platforms for Filipino filmmakers and local productions.

Among the newly announced entries, 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 is the sequel to the 2019 Filipino adaptation of the hit South Korean film Miracle in Cell No. 7, one of the highest-grossing entries in the 45th MMFF.

The 52nd MMFF is presented by PlayTime Entertainment and produced by Toplex Media and Entertainment.

Organizers are expected to announce the remaining four official entries, along with more details about the competing films, in the months leading up to the festival's traditional Christmas Day opening on Dec. 25.