Set high above the clouds in Santa Maria, Laguna, with the majestic Sierra Madre as its backdrop, the Santa Maria Music & Film Festival (SMMFF) offers a rare and immersive cultural experience: cinema and music under the stars, rooted in nature, and inspired by bold stories from around the globe.
Founded in 2023 by visionary Jennifer Maliwanag, SMMFF transforms her family’s mountaintop property into a creative sanctuary, inviting audiences to escape the city and celebrate the power of storytelling, perseverance, and community.
Now in its third year, SMMFF 2025 showcases its largest lineup yet, featuring 39 finalist films from 17 countries—including the Philippines, the United States, Korea, Japan, Germany, and Canada. From compelling narratives and documentaries to experimental and music-centered works, these films reflect diverse voices and artistic innovation. The festival culminates with a final screening at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema on December 6, 2025, offering audiences an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking natural vistas.
A Festival Unlike Any Other
Nestled atop the Sierra Madre ridgeline, SMMFF offers sweeping views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal, Mt. Sembrano, Laguna de Bay, and the Pililla windmills, making every screening feel cinematic even before the films begin. Since its inaugural run in 2023, SMMFF has become a pioneering fusion of film, music, and the outdoors, providing a platform where audiences can truly “See What Others Can’t.”
What began with seven international short films, live music, and a small community has grown into a globally-reaching festival. This year’s edition highlights 39 films from 17 countries, representing narratives, documentaries, experimental works, musical stories, and cultural pieces, all handpicked to showcase bold storytelling from around the world.
The Story Behind SMMFF
The festival is the brainchild of Jennifer Maliwanag, who envisioned a space for discovering the unseen, exploring the unexplored, and celebrating voices that might otherwise go unheard. Launching Santa Maria’s first-ever mountaintop open-air film festival on her family’s property, she created a creative sanctuary above the clouds. Despite logistical challenges, her mission was clear: demonstrate how perseverance, community, and storytelling can elevate Filipino talent to the international stage.
SMMFF 2025: The Films
This year, 39 finalist films represent a diverse and vibrant mix, from independent shorts to experimental music videos, documentaries, and cultural narratives. These include:
Quarter I Highlights:
- Visions of Her (USA) – A man retraces the steps of lost love, discovering the strength to let go.
- K-Indi IDOL (Korea) – A young woman challenges gender norms in the K-Pop industry.
- Breaking Out (USA) – A psychological journey blending nature, music, and raw emotion.
Quarter II Highlights:
- The Cost of a Dream (Dominican Republic) – A drummer pursues music and love amidst village rivalries.
- Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (Canada) – A documentary celebrating music, resilience, and empowerment.
Quarter III Highlights:
- Time Before Kevin (Philippines) – A scientist revisits his past, exploring memory and self-discovery.
- I Am a Halo-Halo (Philippines) – A third-culture Filipino reconnects with roots through culinary tradition.
Quarter IV Highlights:
- Reborn (Japan) – A dark ethical dilemma surrounding medical intervention and human choice.
- Chance Encounters (Canada) – A musical performance that explores the impact of fleeting human interactions.
Full details of all 39 films can be found on the official festival website.
Why Attend SMMFF 2025
- A Unique Setting: Watch films under the stars with panoramic views of Laguna and the Sierra Madre ridges.
- A Creative Community: Connect with artists, filmmakers, and musicians from across the globe.
- Diverse Stories: Experience narratives spanning documentaries, experimental works, music videos, and more.
- Curated Outdoor Experience: Organizers provide guidance on travel, accessibility, and mountaintop etiquette for a seamless 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: Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle.
Meet the Organizers
- Jennifer Maliwanag – Festival Director: Award-winning director, photographer, and entrepreneur driving SMMFF’s vision.
- Rex Lopez – Producer & Creative Lead: Former multinational creative director and global project collaborator.
- Jerico Maliwanag – Film Creator & Communications Lead: Co-owner of World Cup Café at 143 Summit, storyteller, and operations expert.
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.
