SMMFF 2025: Global Storytelling, Elevated
The Santa Maria Music & Film Festival (SMMFF) returns on December 6, 2025, transforming the peaks of Santa Maria, Laguna, into a premier open-air cinema. This event is a critical convergence of film, music, and nature, inviting attendees to “See What Others Can’t.”
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| SMMFF 2025; The Summit of Film and Sound is Back |
Core Value Proposition
The SMMFF distinguishes itself as a trailblazing cultural tradition by hosting an amalgamation of cinema and music under the open sky, framed by the Sierra Madre mountain range. It offers a crucial escape from the urban environment into a unique creative haven.
- Genesis: Conceived by Jennifer Maliwanag, the festival began in 2023 as an audacious passion project combining student initiative and creative pursuit. The mission is clear: to establish a platform that uncovers the unseen, explores the uncharted, and brings Filipino talent to a global stage through resilience and community-focused storytelling.
- Venue Excellence: The event takes place at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema (143 Summit, Brgy. Pao-o, Santa Maria, Laguna). This elevated setting offers breathtaking ridgeline views—including Mt. Banahaw, Laguna de Bay, and the Pililla windmills—making every screening intrinsically cinematic.
The 2025 Edition: Scaling Global Reach
SMMFF 2025 is now in its third year, demonstrating significant growth and an expanded global footprint.
- Global Showcase: The festival proudly showcases 39 films (serving as quarterly winners) selected from its most extensive and diverse pool yet, representing 17 countries. The content spans narrative films, documentaries, experimental works, musical narratives, and cultural pieces.
- Final Screening Protocol: While 39 films earned finalist status, the signature open-air venue on December 6 will exclusively screen the final winners—the strongest films that rose above the competition—alongside the music entries.
The User Experience: Plan Your Visit
Attending SMMFF is about more than just viewing films; it’s an integrated outdoor experience.
Date & Time: December 6, 2025 · 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Access: Admission is FREE with advance registration. Critical Note: Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to commit, as organizers prioritize genuine interest.
Essential Gear: Due to the mountain environment, attendees must bring layers or a light jacket, a refillable bottle (for plastic-free hydration), and comfortable, mountain-fit shoes.
Community Focus: The event is a dedicated space for artists, filmmakers, musicians, and curious minds to convene and discover perspectives that challenge and inspire.
The Organizing Committee: Driving the Platform
The festival is powered by a team of creative professionals dedicated to technical execution and artistic vision:
- Jennifer Maliwanag: Festival Director, an award-winning creative propelling Filipino talent forward.
- Rex Lopez: Producer & Creative Lead, bringing the insight of a former multinational Creative Director and film critic to the jury.
- Jerico Maliwanag: Film Creator & Communications Lead, overseeing operations, visual cohesion, and on-ground experience design.
The SMMFF is rapidly transitioning from an annual event to a growing tradition—a powerful nexus for technology, art, and exploration.