Cover The Manila International Film Festival announces its 2026 lineup (Posters: courtesy of MIFF; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
The Manila International Film Festival announces its 2026 lineup (Posters: courtesy of MIFF; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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The third annual Manila International Film Festival is set to return this September, featuring an exciting mix of Hollywood premieres, world debuts and a historic tribute to a true Philippine legend
The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is gearing up to bring Philippine and diaspora cinema back to the global stage. Now in its third year, the premier Los Angeles-based event will run from September 3 to 6, offering an impressive slate of film screenings, filmmaker Q&As and industry panels. MIFF continues to build a meaningful platform that bridges Hollywood and the Philippines, ensuring that Filipino storytellers can share their work with expanding international audiences.
The first wave of the 2026 MIFF lineup features 14 compelling titles. Executive producer Lisa Lew shared that the selections reflect the true breadth of Filipino filmmaking today, “from a major studio film inspired by Philippine folklore to independent features and documentaries exploring our history, identity and communities.”
Read more: ‘Filipiñana’ at Cinemalaya 2026: peeling back society’s pristine facade
Above MIFF hosts a special advance screening of DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’
MIFF hosts a special advance screening of DreamWorks’ ‘Forgotten Island’
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Leading the highly anticipated lineup is a special advance screening of DreamWorks Animation’s latest original film, Forgotten Island. MIFF attendees will get an exclusive look at the animated adventure a full three weeks ahead of its theatrical release on September 25.
Written and directed by the Academy Award-nominated team of Joel Crawford and Januel P Mercado, Forgotten Island follows high school best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Oscar®-winning artist H.E.R. and international star Liza Soberano. While celebrating their last night together before going their separate ways, the duo stumbles upon a portal that transports them to Nakalimutan, a magical island filled with the magical and mythological creatures from Filipino folklore.
Their journey forces them to confront The Dreaded Manananggal, the most feared creature on the island, and a host of other legendary figures to find their way home before losing their memories of one another. The all-star voice cast also features Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng.
Read more: A journey into Filipino folklore: DreamWorks unveils ‘Forgotten Island’
Above MIFF hosts the world premiere of the documentary, ‘Eddie Romero Remastered: A Century of Filipino Cinema’, directed by Chuck Gutierrez and Baby Ruth Villarama
Above Poster of Carl Joseph Papa’s award-winning animated documentary ‘58th’
MIFF hosts the world premiere of the documentary, ‘Eddie Romero Remastered: A Century of Filipino Cinema’, directed by Chuck Gutierrez and Baby Ruth Villarama
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Beyond Hollywood animation, MIFF serves as a vital showcase for both world and regional premieres of Filipino stories.
The festival will host the world premiere of Eddie Romero Remastered: A Century of Filipino Cinema. Directed by Chuck Gutierrez and Baby Ruth Villarama, the documentary presents a detailed portrait of National Artist Eddie Romero, highlighting a career that deeply influenced filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino. Also making its world premiere is Neal “Buboy” Tan’s Kappa-Tiran, a controversial thriller delving into the shadowy, institutionalised world of fraternity and sorority hazing, starring Ejay Falcon and Sheryl Cruz.
Read more: Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, Lav Diaz: 12 Directors Who Have Shaped Philippine Cinema
Above Poster of Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’, starring Jericho Rosales, among others
Above Poster of Raymond Red’s ‘Manila’s Finest’, starring Piolo Pascual, among others
Poster of Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon’, starring Jericho Rosales, among others
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Audiences can also look forward to several Hollywood and Los Angeles premieres. Jerrold Tarog’s Quezon, the final instalment in his celebrated Bayaniverse trilogy, will make its Hollywood debut. Starring Jericho Rosales as Manuel L Quezon, the film traces his rise to the presidency of the Philippine Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles premieres include Raymond Red’s Manila’s Finest, an award-winning police thriller set during the tumultuous 1970s “First Quarter Storm,” and Benito Bautista’s documentary The Road to Sydney.
Other notable screenings include Carl Joseph Papa’s award-winning animated documentary 58th, which recounts the tragic 2009 Maguindanao massacre, and the 20th-anniversary remastered edition of the Black Eyed Peas’ Bebot: Generation One music video, directed by Patricio Ginelsa.
Read more: Inside the Bayaniverse: ten years, three films, one radical take on Filipino heroes
Above Lea Salonga (Photo: Raymund Isaac)
Lea Salonga (Photo: Raymund Isaac)
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A major highlight of this year’s MIFF is a special tribute to the globally renowned actress and singer Lea Salonga. Salonga, who voices The Dreaded Manananggal in Forgotten Island, will be honoured with the MIFF Icon Award during the Closing Night Awards Gala.
“Lea Salonga is a legend whose extraordinary career has broken barriers and inspires generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally,” said Lisa Lew. “She is the ultimate ambassador for Filipino excellence.”
Read more: Lea Salonga and other Asian stars shine at the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year
Above Nicole Scherzinger is set to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame status, as part of the Class of 2027
Above Jo Koy is set to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame status, as part of the Class of 2027
Nicole Scherzinger is set to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame status, as part of the Class of 2027
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In celebration of her legacy, MIFF will present a two-film retrospective featuring Olivia Lamasan’s 1995 romantic drama Sana Maulit Muli, starring Salonga opposite Aga Muhlach, and The Vale: Origins, a hybrid live-action and animated short that serves as a prequel to Abigail Hing Wen’s novel.
Furthermore, MIFF proudly championed Salonga’s nomination for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Later this year, the Tony, Olivier and Drama Desk Award-winner will be inducted in the Live Theater category, making history as the first Filipina ever to receive the prestigious honour.
Salonga is not the only artist whose Walk of Fame status was backed by MIFF. Tony Award-winning actress Nicole Scherzinger was also recently named to the Class of 2027 following an MIFF nomination. Scherzinger shared her gratitude in a special video message, stating, “I am so proud to be of Hawaiian, Ukrainian, Filipina descent. So proud to represent. Here’s to Pinay power.”
Above Official new trailer of ‘Forgotten Island’
Joining Scherzinger in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027 is comedian Jo Koy, who was named in the same category and was previously welcomed by the festival in 2025 to support Nurse Unseen, a film he executive produced and which served as an official selection of the festival.
The Manila International Film Festival is more than just a series of screenings. As producer Winston Emano highlights, “What makes MIFF special is that audiences do not just see the films, they interact with them through meeting the filmmakers and casts, hearing the stories behind the work and taking part in a larger celebration of our creative community.”
Film screenings, filmmaker Q&As and networking events will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood from September 3 to 5. The festival will conclude with the highly anticipated Closing Night Awards Gala on Sunday, September 6, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
Tickets and passes are on sale now at ManilaInternationalFilmFest.com
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
