1 week Ago By Mia Magdalena Fokno
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The power of storytelling won over technology at this year’s Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) as a mobile phone-shot film took home the festival’s highest honor, proving that good stories can also triumph without always needing expensive equipment. Ang Gadya Sang Suba (The Elephant of the River) by Daniel Dela Cruz was awarded Best Film during the MFF 2025 Awards Night, also known as Panagdadayaw, held at the Baguio Country Club on March 30.
“This proves that the best tool we can have in creating films is not the latest camera, but a heartfelt story,” Dela Cruz said in his acceptance speech, drawing applause from the crowd.The mobile film also won Gold in the Mobile Category, underscoring the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in filmmaking. Other winners in the same category included Kataw by Ashley Manugas (Silver) and Handom sa Natugbong Nga Yuta (Memories of the Collapsed Land) by Aveguel Sinangote (Bronze).
Recognizing diverse Filipino voicesNow in its fifth year, MFF continues to provide a national platform for emerging filmmakers, particularly those outside the mainstream industry, to tell stories rooted in Filipino culture and everyday struggles.In the Documentary category, Mama by Alexandra Brizuela won Gold, followed by Daíng (Woes) by Jan Darryl Villafuerte (Silver), and Woven Dreams by Jhayzen Parañal (Bronze).Under the Narrative category, Open Time by Mark Moneda earned the Gold Award while Ang Huling Liham (The Last Letter) by Miguel Potestades received Bronze.
Special Awards celebrate creativity and cultural identityAside from the main competition, MFF also recognized outstanding films for their artistic innovation and cultural significance.Sa Ilalim sa Balabal sa Alitaptap (Beneath the Firefly Veil) by Juvy Ann Clarito – The Independent Spirit Award Cinebuano by Joaquin Perocillo – World Building AwardDakit (Boat) by Francis A. Dumalig – Best Emerging Cinema AwardMeanwhile, Kidlat Kapwa Awards, given by National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik to films that reflect indigenous values and storytelling, were handed to:window.
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displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );Pagtaghoy sa Hangin by Kyle Erika SayconSilbi by Danica SyLos Mandayas by Jhayzen ParañalBolilyo by Patrick Nicolas YacobNational Artist Kidlat Tahimik takes a selfie using his iconic bamboo camera with this year’s Kidlat Kapwa Awardees at the Montañosa Film Festival 2025. Mia Magdalena Fokno/RapplerHonoring the next generation of filmmakersIn its Pilik Ubbing (Young Eyes) category, which highlights films created by young or first-time filmmakers, Gold went again to Dela Cruz’s Ang Gadya Sang Suba, while JP Corton’s Nanlumos Akong Papa sa Sabaw took Silver, and Arapaap by Zeus Batondo won Bronze.The Sine Patok Award, given to the most entertaining film, went to Kita Mo ’To? by Jermaine Tulbo.
A long list of special jury citations recognized exceptional performances, direction, animation, environmental themes, and regional entries, showing the breadth of talent that MFF continues to nurture across the country.Cinema Open expands MFF’s reachMFF 2025 was also notable for introducing its Cinema Open program, allowing filmmakers from across the Philippines to submit finished films instead of just project proposals. This year’s competition attracted finalists from Iloilo, Cebu, Rizal, Leyte, Quezon City, Laguna, Isabela, and Davao, among others.
For the first time in its history, MFF also featured an Experimental Film Category, showcasing innovative works like All the Things Left Unsaid by Josh Van Campo and Daisy by Aditi Dixit, Pepot Atienza, and Shecid Domínguez Aguilera.Supporting Filipino storiesCreative Baguio City Council chairperson Marie Venus Tan reminded the audience of the importance of supporting Filipino filmmakers, especially in independent and regional cinema.“MFF is that event every year where we really celebrate artistry and the expression of who we are as a people — as Cordillerans,” Tan said.
MFF continues to champion film tourism for the Cordillera Region, positioning Baguio City as a creative hub under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The festival’s vision is clear, to give voice to stories that matter, wherever they come from, and however they are told. – Rappler.
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