Who are the winners of Montañosa Film Festival 2025?

Baguio City, Philippines - The Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) officially revealed the winners of its highly anticipated film competition 2025, featuring a diverse lineup across four categories—the Mobile, Documentary, Narrative, and Experimental Film on April 1, 2025.

This year, filmmakers from various parts of the country were asked to pitch their completed projects as part of MFF's expanded year-end platform, Cinema Open. The initiative aimed to showcase finished films poised to captivate audiences with their creativity and storytelling. 

Of the 45 finalists across the four competition categories, MFF 2025 announced a total of 12 winners; three for each category.

Winners for the Experimental Film category 

For the very first time in MFF's history, the experimental film category was introduced. The winners in this category include: 

“Anatomiya ng Natatanging Katawan” – Shaira Guiyab & Mark Andy Pedere (Bacoor City, Cavite) took the Gold award; “The Body” by Justine Borlagdan (Obando, Bulacan) for Silver and “I’m the Best Left Inside My Head” by Elian Idioma(Mandaluyong City) for the Bronze award.

Other films of the same category include “All the Things Left Unsaid” by Josh Van Campo from Quezon City; “Where the River Meets the Sun by Kimmy Manzano from Ilocos Norte; Panatag – Allan Lazaro (Quezon City); “Daisy” by Aditi Dixit, Pepot Atienza & Shecid Domínguez Aguilera, Atimonan (Quezon); “Pagtangis ng mga Aninong Umiindak sa Hangin” by Laurence Llamas from Caloocan City; “Glitters” by Darryl Villafuerte (Malolos, Bulacan); “I’m the Best Left Inside My Head” by Elian Idioma(Mandaluyong City); “The Reverie” by Rei Cordero(Quezon City); and “Woven Dreams” by Jhayzen Parañal of Batac City, Ilocos Norte. 

This inaugural category celebrates experimental filmmaking, showcasing unique narratives and innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. 

Winners for the Mobile Film category 

The Mobile Film Competition continues to be one of MFF’s most popular categories, allowing filmmakers to tell their stories through the lens of a mobile device. 

The top three winners in this category are the films “Ang Gadyasang Sarba”– Daniel Dela Ceruz (Ilo-ilo) for the Gold, which also seized the grand prize for Best Festival Film; “Kataw” – Ashley Manugas (Cebu) for Silver and “Handom sa Natugbong nga Yuta (Memories of the Collapsed Land)” – Aveguel Sinangote (Leyte) for Bronze.

Other films of the same category include “Behind the Scenes” of Faith Aragon of Cebu; “Ick” – Baj San Jose (Angono, Rizal “Prince of Tides” – Aveguel Sinangote and Giomer Gukferiz (Leyte); “Quick Questions with the Queen” – Dexter Paul De Jesus and Drexier Jarame (Bataan); “Sugar Head” – Luis Andre Abuel (Quezon City); “ Danas” – Allen Prodigalidad (Quezon City); and “Vlog # 6: Balikbayan? ” – Jazryne Clone Plaga from Davao del Sur. 

These films were created entirely using mobile devices, highlighting the creativity and accessibility of mobile filmmaking. 

Winners for the Documentary Film category 

Focusing on various aspects of Filipino culture, history, and society, the winners for this category are “Mama”—Alexandra Brizuela (Pasig City) got the Gold award; “Daíng (Woes)”—Alexandra Brizuela (Bulacan) for Silver; “Woven Dreams” — Jhayzen Parañal (Ilocos Norte);

Other films for the category include “Gelo” by Hendrix Sanchez (Baguio City); “Cinebuano”—Allan” Lazaro (Muntinlupa City); “Balod sa Kinabuhi”—Phoebe Bonggoto (Bohol); “Kapag Nagwala ang Kalabaw”—Paul Serafica (Antipolo City, Rizal) and “Bolilyo”—Patrick Nicolas Yacob (Taguig). 

These documentaries offer an intimate look at Filipino life, shedding light on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of various communities. 

Winners for the Narrative Film category

The Narrative Film Competition Category, which is the largest category with 15 finalists, promises to deliver captivating stories from a wide array of genres and themes.

Of the 15 finalists of this category, three films emerged as winners which include “Open Time” – Mark Moneda (Laoag City) took the Gold award;  “Ang Huling Liham” – Miguel Potestades (Tayabas City, Quezon) for Silver and “Negative, Pare” – Tedd Felisco (Quezon City) for the Bronze.

Other final films are “Dakit ”(Boat)”—Francis A. Dumalig (Echague, Isabela); “Nalumos Akong Papa sa Sabaw”—JP Corton (Biñan, Laguna); “Sa Ilalim ng Balabal sa Alitaptap (Beneath the Firefly” Veil)”—Juvy Ann Clarito (Davao de Oro); “A Crab from a Conch Shell”—Jermaine Tulbo (Davao City); and “Kita” Mo’to”—Adam Dumaguin (Caloocan City);  “Why Are You Here? by Ivan Villarico and Liam Tangan of Cainta, Rizal; “Kiyaw” – Jericho Jeriel (Angono, Rizal); “Kung Ika’y Makapil” – David Kairu Castillo (Las Pinas City); “Pagtaghoy sa Hangin” – Kyle Erika Sayeon (Zamboanga); “Pagtangis ng mga Aninong Umiindak sa Hangin” – Laurence Llamas (Caloocan City); “Silbi” – Danica Sy (Makati City); and “Dream Town” – Jhun Monterde (Quezon City).