Edited Press Release
The country’s one-of-a-kind film and music festival mounted atop part of the well-loved Sierra Madre mountain range is now celebrating its third year with another breathtaking fest. The Santa Maria Music & Film Festival (SMMFF) is set on December 6, 2025 (Saturday) from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema, 143 Summit, Brgy. Pao-o, Santa Maria, Laguna.
Now in its third edition, SMMFF is unique as it is set high above the clouds on the mountaintops and framed by a part of the longest mountain ridge in the country. Thus, it offers a rare experience—cinema and music under the stars, surrounded by nature, and rooted in stories from around the world.
Since its inaugural run in December 2023, SMMFF has pioneered this rare fusion of film, music, and the outdoors inviting audiences to step away from the city and into a creative sanctuary where they can truly ‘See What Others Can’t.’
What began with just seven international short films, live music, and a close-knit community has now grown into a globally-reaching platform. For 2025, SMMFF proudly presents 39 films from 17 countries, reflecting bold storytelling and diverse artistic voices across continents.
How SMMFF began
The Santa Maria Music & Film Festival is the brainchild of Jennifer Maliwanag.
What started as her passion project, part student initiative, part creative pursuit has since evolved into a cultural tradition.
Jenn’s vision was simple but bold: to create a platform for discovering the unseen, exploring the unexplored, uplifting every voice, and celebrating every story.
In 2023, she launched Santa Maria’s first-ever open-air mountaintop film festival on her family’s mountain property, transforming the space into a creative sanctuary above the clouds. Despite the challenges of staging an event in such a remote and elevated landscape, her mission was clear: to show how perseverance, community, and storytelling can bring Filipino talent to the international stage. That inaugural year laid the foundation for what SMMFF is now becoming.
The 2025 edition
Now on its third year, SMMFF 2025 welcomes 39 finalists, handpicked from the festival’s largest and most diverse pool yet, representing 17 countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These 39 finalists also serve as the quarterly winners, representing a vibrant mix of narrative films, documentaries, experimental works, musical stories, and cultural pieces. While all 39 earned their place through the quarterly selection, only the final winners chosen from among them will be screened at the festival, showcasing the strongest films of the year.
At the festival, this signature open-air venue will screen the music entries, the standout films, and the winners that rose above the competition.
Quarter I Finalists
- Visions of Her, directed by Mark F. Roling & Erik G. Voss from the United States. “Grief blurs the line between memory and reality. Visions of Her follows a man retracing the steps of a love lost and discovering the quiet strength to let go.”
- K-Indi IDOL, directed by Soo Sung Lee from Korea. “How far would you go to chase a dream? K-Indi IDOL follows Seung-hyun, a young woman who dares to break barriers in an industry that tries to box her in. Disguised as a man to join a male idol audition, she enters a world where performance is survival and identity becomes both mask and mirror.”
- Breaking Out, directed by David Glass from the United States. “Raw emotion collides with nature’s force. Breaking Out takes viewers on a powerful psychological journey blending turbulent piano improvisation, striking imagery, and unfiltered human feeling into a spellbinding short film.”
- Madame Donalda, directed by Alan Marcus from the United Kingdom. “A single night can change everything. Madame Donalda brings to life the electrifying moment in 1905 when Canadian soprano Pauline Lightstone Donalda rose from understudy to international star, sharing the stage with the legendary Enrico Caruso.”
- Jamcation: The Chronicles of Now Defunkt, directed by Scott Macklin from the United States. “What happens when music keeps a family connected across continents? Now Defunkt follows a collective of friends and family who, after creating two vinyl albums apart, finally come together to jam, play, and perform live for the first time. Through JamCation their unique blend of jamming and vacation they rediscover rhythm, connection, and joy.”
- Lucky Night, directed by Eduardo Mendoza from the United States. “A freezing New England night. A missing $215 million lottery ticket. Rey, a first-generation American, is forced to confront the weight of his dreams and the pressure to succeed as he searches for what could change his life forever.”
- A Neighborhood Odyssey, directed by Carlos Balvin from the United States. “A group of high school boys grew up making movies together. Now, with only one year left before graduation and life pulling them in different directions, they set out to make one last film, a final love letter to their friendship and shared dreams.”
- Cowboy Boots, directed by Eric Delehoy from the United States. “Ack, a gay cowboy from Nebraska, steps into a San Francisco gay club for the first time—only to find that the “promised land” he imagined is far more complicated than he expected.”
Quarter II Finalists
- Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost, directed by René Huemer from Austria. “An intimate black-and-white documentary following US band Greensky Bluegrass as they record their album in Iceland. Through a raw biographical lens, it unveils their insecurities, creative struggles, and the beauty of embracing vulnerability all set against Iceland’s stunning natural backdrop.”
- The Cost of a Dream, directed by Adrian Pucheu from the Dominican Republic. “Daniel, a humble merengue drummer from a small Dominican village, crosses paths with Isabel, the mayor’s niece who has just arrived from Colombia. Captivated by her, he decides to join the village’s musical battle torn between following his heart and staying true to his passion for music.”
- PAPmusic – Animation for Fashion, directed by Leikié from Italy. “An animation film that brings fashion to life. A young Italian fashion house launches a bold new collection and sparks fly between HIM, the director, and HER, the designer. Romance, rivalry, and playful chaos unfold in a fast-paced, music-filled story.”
- I Miss You, Pluto, directed by Bella Reeves from the United States. “An emotional short film about a timid musician who struggles to create after her best friend, Pluto, leaves. As she learns to accept a new chapter in her life, she finds solace at the Marina and slowly rediscovers her creative voice.”
- Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, directed by Alison Duke from Canada. “The Sister Nancy Story dives deep into the legacy of Sister Nancy, blending dynamic tour performances, archival footage, and interviews with industry icons like Janelle Monáe, Young Guru, and Pete Rock. A fun and empowering documentary that celebrates music, resilience, and staying true to yourself.”
- The Man with the Microphone: A European Tour Documentary, directed by B Menace from the United States. “An up-and-coming singer from Connecticut travels to Europe to be the opening act on a European tour and soon discovers the grit, heart, and challenges that come with being an independent artist chasing a dream.”
Quarter III Finalists
- The Child Within, directed by Daniel Troia from the United States. “Feeling detached from the noise of modern life, Daniel Troia sets out on a soul-searching bicycle journey across Europe, a quest to rediscover his inner child and the beauty of human connection.”
- The Meaning of a Ritual, directed by Natalie MacMahon from Germany. “A world that moves too fast to notice the quiet magic of existence, two souls collide, one deeply connected to nature, the other lost within her own mind. A gifted young plant doctor, blessed with extrasensory perception, meets a reclusive artist whose pain has locked her away from the world. As their lives intertwine, wounds resurface, but so do long-buried truths. Together, they rediscover what it truly means to heal, to grow, and to live.”
- Time Before Kevin, directed by Raine Gado from the Philippines. “Set in a near future, Kevin, a young scientist haunted by fragments of his past, builds a time machine to revisit the moments that shaped him. As he confronts his younger self and the weight of suppressed truth, Kevin must decide: will he relive the past, or rewrite it?”
- I Am a Halo-Halo, directed by Daniel Buhat from the Philippines. “Ethan, a third-culture Filipino and aspiring chef, returns to the Philippines for the first time to visit his Lola Luningning. Struggling to reconnect with his roots, he takes on his grandmother’s challenge to prepare the traditional noche buenafeast. Along the way, he encounters a colorful mix of Filipino characters including a wise halo-halo vendor who helps him discover who he truly is.”
- Second Chance, directed by India Anne Mitchell from the United States. “A young filmmaker, moved by a troubling event at school, turns her lens toward the world of Juvenile Hall and Court. Through the heartfelt story of a young offender and his parents alongside the voices of a judge, attorneys, and a probation officer, Second Chance explores the power of understanding, compassion, and hope for those society too often overlooks.”
- Break the Silence, directed by Dax Phelan from the United States. “Break the Silence is a powerful one-minute Public Service Announcement that encourages those struggling with mental health, substance use, and more to seek help through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A poignant reminder that reaching out is a sign of strength and that help is always within reach.”
- Between three worlds – Robert Zorn: Percussionist, Farmer and Composer from Tyrol, directed by Sina Moser from Austria. “The documentary provides an insight into the life of the musician, who in his free time breeds sheep, produces honey from his own hive and enjoys working with wood.”
- Love Wins in the USA, directed by Sidney Gil from the United States. “Love Wins in the USA” is a contemporary pop anthem by emerging artist Nova RainShadow, released in early March 2025. Blending heartfelt lyricism with American influences, the song delivers a powerful message. Its chorus, driven by an uplifting melody, reinforces the idea that love transcends barriers and remains resilient despite societal divides.”
- Say His Name, directed by Billy Joseph, Jr. from the United States. “As a fractured family gathers to confront the dark grip of addiction and unravel decades of buried secrets, they must face the haunting reality that the cycle of guilt, shame, and betrayal they’ve inherited may be impossible to break.”
- MEMRA, directed by Yulia Travnikova from the Russian Federation. “The film tells the story of a musical project called “MEMRA” and the making of a conceptual music album by the founders of a network of private kindergartens, Ivan and Maria Sorokin. The album was created to support people with autism spectrum disorders.”
- Une Réflexion, directed by M.Y.R.A. Entertainment from Singapore. “A semi-animated video art piece portraying a summer evening sky reflected in a lake in Quebec. Borrowing the patience of a fisherman, the eye of a painter and the wonderment of a small child, UNE RÉFLEXION encapsulates the peaceful interplay of sunlit and dark clouds during a fleeting moment in nature and time. Carried by a Solfeggio frequency, the micro short invites to an audio-visual meditation.”
Quarter IV Finalists
- Cotton Candy, directed by Jesse Klick from the United States. “The concept of this song is rooted in the idea of an unending cycle. Loving someone who can neither commit nor fully walk away. Represented by the sky – we’re together during the day, he leaves at sunset, he comes back at night, and is gone with the sunrise. As the sky transitions, so does he.”
- To Be Anders Widmark, directed by Peter Östlund from Sweden. “About a pianist, his music and his challenges. A musical journey between different genres where everything is possible.”
- Image Dance, directed by John Dawson from the United States. “An experimental film made by Colorado artist and filmmaker John Dawson in 2023. This short film is 100% hand made by drawing, painting and scratching directly onto 16mm and Super 8 film stock.”
- First Refusal, directed by Courtney Sanello from the United States. “In a series of surreal visuals that ebb and flow like a fever dream, we follow them on exploration of grief’s complexity. They gradually come to realize an important truth: in order to truly heal and find solace, they must learn to let go.”
- American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, directed by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir from the United States. “A documentary about how change transpires in America. The account of “a small group of concerned committed citizens” who took a huge risk in order to bring about a massive shift in public perception. Not just an important historical chronicle of a campaign that brought into the mainstream a taboo topic, it’s also an inspiring reminder of how democracy can work when people come together in an effort to fulfill our pledge to liberty and justice for all.”
- Reborn, directed by Ken Izumisawa from Japan. “Dr. Katayama, who commissions murders for patients suffering from incurable diseases, is contacted by Noriko, a girl with suicidal thoughts. Dr. Katayama has strong doubts towards medical treatment that forces patients to live, and has been committing commissioned murders out of his own righteousness, but he is conflicted by Noriko’s request.”
- Castle in the Air, directed by Jess D’Aguanno from Australia. “A young girl caught between her reality and dreams.”
- Clout Chaser, directed by Lubomir Atan from the United States. “Two girls in a fierce race to get to Star2 and his riches. They hurdle over a series of blocks and use supernatural powers to battle each other to reach him in a room guarded by a golden dragon and Buddha where he sits on a throne in front of hundreds of gold bars.”
- The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library, directed by Dorian Robinson from the United States. “The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library invites students to discover everything the library offers, from study zones and research support to tech resources and collaborative spaces. Designed as an informative student advertisement, it highlights how the library makes academic life easier, more efficient, and even inspiring. Whether you need a quiet corner, expert guidance, or a place to team up with classmates, this film shows why the UConn Stamford Library is every student’s essential campus partner.”
- Inspire Me, directed by Geoffrey Fighiera from France. “A professional oboist is at work when he realizes that his music is connected to his muse: a ballet dancer. He decides to play with her.”
- Chance Encounters, directed by Hasi Eldib from Canada. “Chance Encounters documents a one-person show of the same name by Juno award-winning musician and interdisciplinary artist Jesse Stewart. Combining storytelling and innovative music performed on a variety of unusual instruments, the film explores the profound impact that fleeting interactions with strangers can have on us.”
- Guiding Light, directed by India Anne Mitchell from the United States. “Through the compelling interviews of the lead prosecutor, the defense attorney and the police chief, “Guiding Light” tells the story of a young teen (Polly Hannah Klaas) in a small town in America who was kidnapped from her bedroom during a slumber party while her family was in the house. In “Guiding Light”, India Mitchell, a teen growing up in the same town thirty years later brings a fresh perspective and highlights the importance of the legacy of this case to the continuing endeavor to keep children safe.”
- Life in Tandem, directed by Joseph Litzinge & Mia Grimes from the United States. “After a member of the “freestyle canoe dancing” community suffers a tragic accident and unimaginable loss, his fellow canoe enthusiasts work in tandem to help him through his emotional and physical trauma to recover and get back in his canoe.”
Why attend SMMFF 2025
A unique setting
Held at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema, the festival features breathtaking ridgeline views and crisp mountain air, an outdoor experience unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.
Nestled atop the Sierra Madre ridgeline, the venue opens to sweeping views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Sembrano, Laguna de Bay, and the Pililla windmills a natural panorama that makes every screening feel cinematic even before the films begin.
A creative community
Whether you’re an artist, filmmaker, musician, or simply curious, SMMFF is where people gather to discover fresh perspectives and stories that challenge, surprise, and inspire.
A broad spectrum of stories
From independent shorts to student films, global documentaries to experimental music videos, SMMFF champions storytellers from all genres and backgrounds.
A curated outdoor experience
Organizers guide guests through travel logistics, weather expectations, accessibility, and mountaintop-friendly festival etiquette to ensure a seamless visit.
Plan your visit
Date & Time:
December 6, 2025 · 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Venue:
Santa Maria Open Air Cinema
143 Summit
Brgy. Pao-o, Santa Maria, Laguna
Tickets:
Free with advance registration. Limited seating.
What to Bring:
Layers or a light jacket, refillable bottle for plastic-free hydration stations, and comfortable shoes fit for a mountain environment.
The organizing committee
Jennifer Maliwanag – Festival Director
A multi-awarded director, photographer, and entrepreneur, Jenn is the heart behind SMMFF. Driven by passion and a deep love for storytelling, she pushes Filipino creativity forward while shaping a festival where every voice, no matter how small, is welcomed, valued, and celebrated.
Rex Lopez – Producer & Creative Lead
An art-based creative and former multinational Creative Director, Rex brings the sharp eye of a producer and the insight of a film critic to SMMFF. As co-founder of Psyops8 and BlackOps Studios Asia, he has worked on global projects including Netflix’s Maria and Amazon Prime’s SellBlock. He now serves as an SMMFF jury member, championing emerging talent.
Jerico Maliwanag – Film Creator & Communications Lead
Co-owner of World Cup Café at 143 Summit, Jerico brings a sharp creative instinct shaped by years of hands-on storytelling, film creation, and editing. As the Operations Lead at Stories We Tell Agency, he further hones his eye for detail and experience in managing creative projects. He helps shape the festival’s identity from visual cohesion to on-ground experience design, and serves as an SMMFF jury member dedicated to spotlighting the next generation of filmmakers.
Looking ahead
With the 2025 edition of the Santa Maria Music & Film Festival, the organizers reaffirm their commitment to shaping SMMFF into more than just an annual event. It is becoming a growing tradition, a meeting point for creatives, nature-lovers, and storytellers alike. A home for artists and explorers, SMMFF continues to remind audiences to look deeper and See What Others Can’t.
