Overview
The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is a Los Angeles-based festival dedicated to promoting Philippine cinema on the global stage. The 3rd edition runs September 3-6, 2026, with screenings at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and a Closing Night Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The festival screens Filipino features, documentaries, and shorts, connecting Philippine storytelling with international audiences and Hollywood industry professionals.
MIFF was founded in 2024 by producer Winston Emano and executive producer Lisa Lew. The founding principle was that Philippine cinema deserves a platform in Hollywood. Since its first edition, MIFF has screened more than 20 films and recognized artists including Boots Anson Roa, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Tia Carrere, and Vilma Santos through its awards competition and annual Closing Night Gala.
The 2nd edition in 2025 screened 16 films, including entries from the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres, and select additional films. The 3rd edition in 2026 expands its scope: for the first time, MIFF will accept submissions from Filipino filmmakers worldwide, in both documentary and narrative categories. The festival will continue welcoming entries from the MMFF while broadening its reach to Pinoy filmmakers across the diaspora.
The 2026 edition will honor Broadway and Disney legend Lea Salonga with the MIFF Icon Award at the Closing Night Gala on September 6, 2026. Salonga, a Tony and Olivier Award winner, is also the first Filipina nominated by MIFF for a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, with induction in the Live Theater category scheduled for 2026.
The first wave of 14 titles for the 2026 edition was announced on August 5, 2026. The lineup is led by a special advance screening of DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island, inspired by Philippine folklore. Salonga voices a character in the film, which hits theaters September 25.
The first wave also includes world premieres of Eddie Romero Remastered: A Century of Filipino Cinema and Kappa-Tiran. The Hollywood premiere of Jerrold Tarog's Quezon stars Jericho Rosales as Manuel L. Quezon. A special screening features Carl Joseph Papa's animated documentary 58th about the 2009 Maguindanao massacre. A two-film retrospective celebrates Salonga, featuring Sana Maulit Muli (1995) and The Vale: Origins.
Key Sections
- Narrative Features - Filipino and Filipino diaspora feature films
- Documentary Features - nonfiction films about Philippine culture, history, and diaspora experiences
- Short Films - Filipino and Filipino diaspora short-form work
- MMFF Selections - entries from the Metro Manila Film Festival
- Special Screenings - curated programs including retrospectives and anniversary presentations
- Industry Panels - discussions with agents, managers, casting directors, and guild representatives from DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and PGA
Submission Details
MIFF has not yet published submission fees or deadlines for the 2026 edition. The festival has announced that submissions will open to Filipino filmmakers worldwide in both documentary and narrative categories. Filmmakers interested in submitting should monitor the official MIFF website for submission guidelines and platform details.
The 2025 edition accepted films through direct submission via the festival website. The festival does not currently use FilmFreeway.
What is known about 2026 submissions:
- Open to Filipino filmmakers worldwide (not limited to Philippines-based directors)
- Both narrative and documentary categories accepted
- Films from the MMFF continue to be welcomed
- Submission platform and fees: to be announced
What Filmmakers Should Know
MIFF occupies a specific niche: it is the only film festival in Hollywood dedicated exclusively to Philippine cinema. For Filipino filmmakers, this means direct exposure to Hollywood industry professionals, including agents, managers, casting directors, and guild representatives from the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and PGA. The 2025 edition hosted panel discussions with DGA executives, a SAG Actors' Roundtable on breaking into Hollywood, and a Producers Guild of America panel.
The festival's industry programming includes a Cinematographers' Breakfast Roundtable at the ASC Clubhouse and a Directors' Guild of America tour. These events provide Filipino filmmakers with networking access that would be difficult to arrange independently.
The Audience Awards are voted on by MIFF attendees, not by a jury. This means films that resonate with general audiences have an equal chance at recognition alongside films that might appeal more to industry professionals. The 2025 edition saw "Song of the Fireflies" win four of six Audience Awards, including Best Picture.
For Filipino American filmmakers, MIFF provides a platform that bridges Philippine and Hollywood industries. The festival's partnership with CineGang Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) creates connections between diaspora filmmakers and Philippine industry infrastructure. Tickets and festival passes for the 2026 edition are on sale at the official MIFF website.
Major Awards
MIFF presents awards across several categories:
Audience Favorite Awards (voted by MIFF attendees):
- Best Picture - top audience-voted award
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
Special Awards:
- MIFF Icon Award - recognizing individuals who have broken barriers and inspired generations of Filipino and Asian artists (2026 recipient: Lea Salonga)
- Lifetime Achievement Award - for outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema (2025 recipients: Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Ricky Lee, the late Lily Monteverde, and Vilma Santos)
- Visionary Award - for championing Philippine cinema (2025 recipient: First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos)
- Trailblazer Award - for helping pave the way for Filipinos in Hollywood (2025 recipients: Tia Carrere, Nico Santos, Gene Cajayon for "The Debut")
- Special Awards - for documentaries or films spotlighting Filipino experiences (2025: "Faith Healers" by Regina Aquino)
Festival History
MIFF was founded in 2024 with the stated goal of giving Philippine cinema a stage in Hollywood. The inaugural edition screened Filipino films at the TCL Chinese Theatre and held its awards gala at The Beverly Hilton. The festival was created by producer Winston Emano and executive producer Lisa Lew, with sponsorship from BingoPlus and Megaworld.
The 2nd edition in 2025 expanded to 16 films, including entries from the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres, and select additional films. The awards gala on March 7, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton honored First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos with the Visionary Award, presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to four Philippine cinema figures, and recognized three Trailblazer awardees for their contributions to Filipino representation in Hollywood.
The 3rd edition in 2026 marks a significant expansion: for the first time, the festival will accept submissions from Filipino filmmakers worldwide, moving beyond MMFF entries to include diaspora filmmakers from any country. The festival continues to be sponsored by BingoPlus and Megaworld, with additional support from CineGang Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Past Winners
MIFF presents audience-voted awards and special recognition awards. Key past winners include:
- 2025 (2nd edition) Audience Awards - Song of the Fireflies won four of six Audience Awards, including Best Picture. The musical film about the Loboc Children's Choir stars Morissette Amon and is directed by King Palisoc.
- 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards - Presented to Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, screenwriter Ricky Lee, the late Lily Monteverde, and Vilma Santos for outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema.
- 2025 Visionary Award - Presented to First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for championing Philippine cinema.
- 2025 Trailblazer Awards - Presented to Tia Carrere, Nico Santos, and Gene Cajayon for The Debut, recognizing their contributions to Filipino representation in Hollywood.
- 2025 Special Award - Presented to Faith Healers by Regina Aquino for spotlighting Filipino experiences.
- 2026 MIFF Icon Award - Announced for Broadway and Disney legend Lea Salonga, to be presented at the Closing Night Gala on September 6, 2026. Salonga is also the first Filipina nominated by MIFF for a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.
Notable Alumni Films and Where They Ended Up
Films screened at MIFF have connections to broader Philippine cinema success:
- Song of the Fireflies (2025) dominated the MIFF Audience Awards, winning four of six categories including Best Picture. The musical film about the Loboc Children's Choir was produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions.
- Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019) was the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time. Its sequel Hello, Love, Again (2024) became the first collaboration between Star Cinema and GMA Pictures.
- Firefly (2023) was GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs' flagship MMFF entry, directed by Zig Dulay. The coming-of-age drama represented GMA's return to film production.
- Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) screened at Cinemalaya 2023, representing the independent cinema tradition that MIFF also seeks to showcase. The animated film won Best Film at Cinemalaya 2023.
Submission Tips Specific to This Festival
- The 2026 edition is the first time MIFF accepts submissions from Filipino filmmakers worldwide. Previous editions were limited to MMFF entries and invited films. If you are a Filipino diaspora filmmaker, this is your first opportunity to submit.
- Both narrative and documentary categories are accepted. Prepare your submission in the appropriate category.
- MIFF does not currently use FilmFreeway. Submit through the official festival website when submissions open.
- Submission fees and deadlines for 2026 had not been published at the time of writing. Monitor the official MIFF website for updates.
- Films from the Metro Manila Film Festival continue to be welcomed. If your film is an MMFF entry, it may qualify for the MMFF Selections section.
- The Audience Awards are voted by attendees, not by a jury. Films that resonate with general audiences have an equal chance at recognition. Consider audience appeal when preparing your submission.
- The festival screens at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Ensure your film meets technical standards for a major theatrical venue.
Industry Reputation Notes
MIFF occupies a unique niche as the only film festival in Hollywood dedicated exclusively to Philippine cinema. Founded in 2024 by producer Winston Emano and executive producer Lisa Lew, the festival is young but has quickly established industry connections.
The festival's industry programming provides Filipino filmmakers with access that would be difficult to arrange independently. The 2025 edition hosted panel discussions with DGA executives, a SAG Actors' Roundtable, and a PGA panel. A Cinematographers' Breakfast Roundtable at the ASC Clubhouse and a DGA tour give filmmakers direct exposure to Hollywood guild culture.
The partnership with CineGang Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines creates connections between diaspora filmmakers and Philippine industry infrastructure. MIFF is sponsored by BingoPlus and Megaworld, with additional support from the FDCP.
As a young festival, MIFF's long-term reputation is still developing. The 2026 expansion to accept worldwide Filipino submissions marks a significant growth phase. The 2026 edition's partnership with DreamWorks Animation for an advance screening of Forgotten Island, a film inspired by Philippine folklore, signals growing industry recognition. For Filipino filmmakers, MIFF offers direct exposure to Hollywood industry professionals including agents, managers, and casting directors.
Compared to peer festivals, MIFF differs from Cinemalaya, the Philippines' domestic independent film festival held in Manila, by positioning itself in Hollywood with direct access to US industry guilds. Unlike the Metro Manila Film Festival, which focuses on commercial Filipino cinema during the Christmas season, MIFF targets diaspora and art-house Filipino cinema on the global stage. MIFF's Hollywood location gives it unique access to DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and PGA networks that no Philippine-based festival can match.
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See Also
To calculate the return on your festival submission spending, use the Festival ROI Calculator. To estimate your probability of acceptance based on festival tier and film characteristics, use the Festival Acceptance Odds Estimator. For festival circuit planning, see Film Festival Strategy. For Philippine cinema and Southeast Asian markets, see International Film Markets. For the domestic Philippine festival held in December, see the Metro Manila Film Festival.
