Manila International Film Festival

Overview

The Manila International Film Festival is the Philippines' most commercially significant film festival. Founded in 1982 and held annually in Manila, the festival presents Filipino and international cinema in the vibrant capital of the archipelago nation.

The Philippine film industry is one of Southeast Asia's oldest and most prolific, with a history extending to the 1910s and a tradition that encompasses both commercially oriented entertainment cinema and a strong independent and art film tradition represented by directors including Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza, and Raymond Red.

Manila's extraordinary energy -- a megacity of 13+ million people, one of the most densely populated urban areas on earth -- creates a festival environment of intense activity. The festival's commercial orientation reflects the Philippine entertainment industry's central role in the country's cultural economy.

Key Sections

• International Competition -- films competing for jury prizes
• Filipino Film Program -- new Filipino features
• Southeast Asian Panorama -- films from neighboring nations
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs

What Filmmakers Should Know

The festival accepts open submissions. For Filipino filmmakers, the festival provides an important Manila platform alongside the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. For Southeast Asian filmmakers, Manila's large film market creates useful industry connections.

Major Awards

• Best Film -- jury prize
• Best Filipino Film
• Audience Award

Festival History

Manila International Film Festival was founded in 1982 and has operated through the Philippines' complex political and cultural history.

See Also

For Filipino cinema, see Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. For Southeast Asian cinema, see International Film Markets.