The local government of Bacolod City is rallying young, aspiring filmmakers to join the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Student Shorts Competition, centered on the theme “Paskong Pinoy / Pasko Sa Atin.”
The initiative comes as Bacolod prepares to make history this December as the very first city outside Metro Manila to host official events for the nationwide cinema celebration.
Currently celebrating its 52nd year, the MMFF is organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and stands as one of the nation’s most prestigious showcases of Philippine cinema.
In an official announcement released Tuesday, local leaders urged student storytellers to embrace the opportunity.
“Do you have a story you want to share with the whole Philippines? This is your chance. Show the talent of Bacolodnon and make our Christmas felt through film,” the city government said in its invitation on Tuesday.
The student competition focuses on original narratives that portray and honor Filipino holiday traditions. It is spearheaded by the MMFF alongside the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Film Academy of the Philippines.
Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, event organizers noted:
“A platform designed to showcase young Filipino filmmakers’ talents and creativity, the competition invites students to express their unique perspectives through film, highlighting the significance of ‘Paskong Pilipino/ Pasko Sa Atin’ as interpreted through their experiences, culture, and imagination,” the MMFF organizers said.
As part of the contest structure, 16 semi-finalists will be granted ₱20,000 each to develop their scripts alongside a story development workshop.
From there, eight selected finalists will be awarded a ₱50,000 production grant, gain access to an advanced filmmaking workshop, and have their works screened nationwide alongside the main MMFF 2026 feature films.
The top creator, who will be honored with the MMFF Best Student Short Film award, will take home a ₱100,000 cash prize during the festival’s official awards night.
Submissions for the short film competition remain open until August 31.