Six films will be heading to the Netherlands to represent the Philippines in the annual 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
Handpicked by the IFFR’s internal programming team, the Philippine lineup is composed of a strong list of entries, ranging from documentaries, to historical biopics, and more.
One of the most awaited films is GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ 58th by Carl Joseph Papa, to be screened in the Harbour section for contemporary cinema. The film honors the lives lost in the Maguindanao Massacre, centering on the story of Maria Reynafe Castillo (Glaiza De Castro) as she seeks justice for her father, Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay—the massacre’s 58th victim.
Among the top contenders is Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, which first competed at the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, and won the Best Director award for Dalena. The story follows Shirin (Nour Hooshmand), a young filmmaker who aims to document forgotten massacres from Philippine history, particularly a horrific slaughter committed by American forces. The film will be part of the “Focus: The Future Is NOW” section highlighting stories of women from different periods.
Moonglow by Isabel Sandoval is fighting for Philippine representation at the Big Screen Competition against other films that bridge popular, classic and art house cinema, while First Light, an Australian-Philippine co-production directed by James Robinson, is competing in the Harbour Section.
P.R. Monencillo Patindol’s I grew an inch when my father died will be competing for the Bright Future category for feature debuts, and the recently released historical epic Quezon by Jerold Tarog will complete the lineup, competing in the Limelight section for the films with the most buzz.
The 54th IFFR will run from January 30, 2026 to February 9, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, featuring hundreds of films, industry events, and special programs that celebrate cinema all around the world.
Visit the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) website to know more about the events.