SMMFF 2025 welcomes 39 finalists, handpicked from the festival’s largest and most diverse pool yet, representing 17 countries presents a vibrant mix of narrative films, documentaries, experimental works, musical stories, and cultural pieces you can explore, experience and “See What Others Can’t”!
About the Santa Maria Music & Film Festival (SMMFF)
Set
high above the clouds on the mountaintops of Santa Maria, Laguna and framed by
the Sierra Madre mountain range, the Santa Maria Music & Film Festival
(SMMFF) 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 a one-of-a-kind 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.
ORIGIN
STORY: 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 PM – 8:30 PM
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.
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.
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