Since its first run in December 2023, SMMFF has grown into a unique fusion of film, music, and the outdoors, inviting audiences to step away from city life and into a creative sanctuary where they can truly “See What Others Can’t.”
What started with just seven international short films and live music in a close-knit community has expanded into a platform with a global reach. For 2025, SMMFF presents 39 films from 17 countries, showcasing bold storytelling and diverse artistic voices.
What started with just seven international short films and live music in a close-knit community has expanded into a platform with a global reach. For 2025, SMMFF presents 39 films from 17 countries, showcasing bold storytelling and diverse artistic voices.
The Origin Story: How SMMFF Began
The festival was founded by Jennifer Maliwanag, who envisioned a space for discovering the unseen and uplifting every voice.
In 2023, Jennifer launched Santa Maria’s first open-air mountaintop film festival on her family’s property. The event transformed the mountain into a creative sanctuary above the clouds. Despite the challenges of a remote location, Jennifer’s mission was clear: to bring Filipino talent to an international stage while celebrating perseverance, community, and storytelling.
In 2023, Jennifer launched Santa Maria’s first open-air mountaintop film festival on her family’s property. The event transformed the mountain into a creative sanctuary above the clouds. Despite the challenges of a remote location, Jennifer’s mission was clear: to bring Filipino talent to an international stage while celebrating perseverance, community, and storytelling.
SMMFF 2025: What to Expect
Now in its third year, SMMFF 2025 features 39 finalists from 17 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, the UK, and the US.
These finalists represent a mix of narrative films, documentaries, experimental works, musical stories, and cultural pieces. While all 39 earned their place through quarterly selections, only the final winners will be screened at the festival, highlighting the strongest films of the year.
Now in its third year, SMMFF 2025 features 39 finalists from 17 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, the UK, and the US.
These finalists represent a mix of narrative films, documentaries, experimental works, musical stories, and cultural pieces. While all 39 earned their place through quarterly selections, only the final winners will be screened at the festival, highlighting the strongest films of the year.
Highlight Films from the Quarters
Quarter I:
Visions of Her (US) – A story of grief and memory.
K-Indi IDOL (Korea) – A young woman challenges norms to chase her music dream.
Breaking Out (US) – A psychological journey blending piano, nature, and emotion.
Quarter II:
Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost (Austria) – A black-and-white documentary of a band recording in Iceland.
The Cost of a Dream (Dominican Republic) – Love, passion, and music collide in a small village.
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (Canada) – A vibrant documentary celebrating music and resilience.
Quarter III:
Time Before Kevin (Philippines) – A scientist revisits his past to reshape his future.
I Am a Halo-Halo (Philippines) – Rediscovering roots through food and family.
Break the Silence (US) – A powerful PSA on mental health awareness.
Quarter IV:
Cotton Candy (US) – A love story reflecting life’s cycles.
Reborn (Japan) – Ethical dilemmas in medicine and human choice.
Chance Encounters (Canada) – A musical exploration of fleeting human connections.
These films highlight the festival’s commitment to diverse voices and innovative storytelling.
Why Attend SMMFF 2025
A Unique Setting
The festival takes place at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Sembrano, Laguna de Bay, and the Pililla windmills. The crisp mountain air and scenic ridgeline make every screening feel cinematic even before the films begin.
A Creative Community
Artists, filmmakers, musicians, and curious audiences gather to share fresh perspectives, challenge ideas, and celebrate creativity.
A Broad Spectrum of Stories
From indie shorts to global documentaries, SMMFF champions storytellers of all genres and backgrounds.
A Curated Outdoor Experience
Organizers ensure smooth logistics, from travel tips and weather expectations to mountaintop-friendly festival etiquette. Every detail is designed for a seamless visit.
Quarter I:
Visions of Her (US) – A story of grief and memory.
K-Indi IDOL (Korea) – A young woman challenges norms to chase her music dream.
Breaking Out (US) – A psychological journey blending piano, nature, and emotion.
Quarter II:
Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost (Austria) – A black-and-white documentary of a band recording in Iceland.
The Cost of a Dream (Dominican Republic) – Love, passion, and music collide in a small village.
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (Canada) – A vibrant documentary celebrating music and resilience.
Quarter III:
Time Before Kevin (Philippines) – A scientist revisits his past to reshape his future.
I Am a Halo-Halo (Philippines) – Rediscovering roots through food and family.
Break the Silence (US) – A powerful PSA on mental health awareness.
Quarter IV:
Cotton Candy (US) – A love story reflecting life’s cycles.
Reborn (Japan) – Ethical dilemmas in medicine and human choice.
Chance Encounters (Canada) – A musical exploration of fleeting human connections.
These films highlight the festival’s commitment to diverse voices and innovative storytelling.
Why Attend SMMFF 2025
A Unique Setting
The festival takes place at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Sembrano, Laguna de Bay, and the Pililla windmills. The crisp mountain air and scenic ridgeline make every screening feel cinematic even before the films begin.
A Creative Community
Artists, filmmakers, musicians, and curious audiences gather to share fresh perspectives, challenge ideas, and celebrate creativity.
A Broad Spectrum of Stories
From indie shorts to global documentaries, SMMFF champions storytellers of all genres and backgrounds.
A Curated Outdoor Experience
Organizers ensure smooth logistics, from travel tips and weather expectations to mountaintop-friendly festival etiquette. Every detail is designed for 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.
Whether you’re a movie lover, music fan, or nature enthusiast, SMMFF 2025 promises an unforgettable evening of films, music, and mountain magic. Step into this mountaintop sanctuary and see stories the world has yet to show.
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.
Whether you’re a movie lover, music fan, or nature enthusiast, SMMFF 2025 promises an unforgettable evening of films, music, and mountain magic. Step into this mountaintop sanctuary and see stories the world has yet to show.
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