Category: Movies

National Cinema Day 2026 Brings Filipino Moviegoers Back to the Big Screen

September 12, 2026 marked a milestone for Philippine cinema as the country celebrated its first-ever National Cinema Day (NCD), welcoming moviegoers back to theaters and highlighting the enduring appeal of watching films on the big screen.

More than a day of discounted tickets, National Cinema Day was the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines’ (CEAP) way of giving back to the audiences who remain at the heart of the local cinema industry.

These are the moviegoers who continue to support theatrical releases, choose cinemas as a place to experience stories, and keep the shared tradition of moviegoing alive.

At its core, National Cinema Day was a celebration of cinema itself, along with the excitement, connection, and collective emotions that come with seeing a film inside a theater.

More Than 100 Cinemas Join the Nationwide Celebration

Spearheaded by CEAP, National Cinema Day brought together more than 100 participating cinemas across the Philippines.

CEAP also expressed its sincere appreciation to its government and industry partners, including the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) through the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Their support played an important role in making the nationwide initiative possible.

For just ₱100, audiences had the opportunity to watch films on the big screen, including current releases as well as selected previous and re-run titles.

Beyond making moviegoing more affordable, the celebration encouraged Filipinos to return to cinemas, reconnect with family and friends, and rediscover the simple joy of experiencing stories together.

A Strong Turnout Shows That Cinema Lives On

The strong turnout and public engagement throughout National Cinema Day served as an encouraging reminder of the continuing place of cinemas in Filipino entertainment and culture.

From the anticipation before the lights dim to the laughter, excitement, and emotions shared during a film, the celebration showed that audiences still value the communal experience that theaters uniquely provide.

The incredible response to National Cinema Day shows that cinema remains a vital part of Filipino culture. Seeing packed theaters, families and friends enjoying films together, and audiences embracing the big-screen experience reaffirmed the enduring appeal of moviegoing. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success, and CEAP remains committed to developing more initiatives that support our industry and enrich the moviegoing experience, said Ms. Irene Jose, President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

The celebration also arrived at an important time for the theatrical industry.

After facing major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, cinemas have continued to navigate an entertainment landscape reshaped by changing viewing habits and the rapid growth of streaming services.

National Cinema Day offered a powerful reminder that the theatrical experience remains meaningful to Filipino audiences, and that people are still willing to come together to support films, cinemas, and the individuals who bring stories to the screen.

Industry and Artists Rally Behind National Cinema Day

The success of National Cinema Day also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the film and entertainment industry.

Cinema exhibitors, producers, distributors, government agencies, artists, media organizations, content creators, and other industry partners came together to support the celebration.

Among the personalities who showed their support were Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla, Barbie Forteza, Karylle, Sassa Gurl, Michael Sager, Anton Vinzon, and Mon Confiado, alongside other artists and cinema advocates who encouraged Filipinos to take part in National Cinema Day.

On the day of the celebration, Bela Padilla also joined moviegoers at different cinemas to show her support for the nationwide initiative.

More Than a Celebration of Movies

National Cinema Day was more than a celebration of films.

It was also a celebration of the people who make cinema possible, from the audiences who continue to fill theater seats to the many individuals working behind the scenes to keep the industry moving forward.

With the strong response to its inaugural edition, National Cinema Day opens new possibilities for initiatives that can bring audiences back to theaters and create more opportunities to celebrate the country’s love for movies.

And if its first year is any indication, Filipinos still know there is something special about watching a story unfold on a giant screen, surrounded by a community experiencing every laugh, thrill, gasp, and heartfelt moment together.

Here’s to more National Cinema Days and more unforgettable moments at the movies.

As CEAP put it:

Together, we celebrated cinema. Together, we strengthened the future of moviegoing in the Philippines.

September 21, 2026
“Resident Evil” Scores Franchise-Best PHP 77-M Opening Weekend in the Philippines

Resident Evil is making its mark at the Philippine box office, closing its opening weekend at No. 1 and setting a new local record for the long-running horror franchise.

Zach Cregger’s reinvention of the beloved video game property earned more than PHP 77 million during its opening weekend, making it the biggest Resident Evil opening weekend in the Philippines.

“Resident Evil” dominates the Philippine box office

The horror film commanded cinemas over the weekend, capturing 72% of the market share.

Fans of the original Resident Evil video games, followers of Cregger’s work, and horror enthusiasts flocked to theaters to catch the filmmaker’s latest offering. Cregger previously directed the acclaimed horror films Barbarian and Weapons.

Adding to its strong debut, Resident Evil has earned a 96% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 91% audience score.

With its mix of survival horror, action, and a fresh story set within the Resident Evil universe, the film offers moviegoers a new nightmare built for the big screen.

Watch the official trailer here:

A terrifying new take on “Resident Evil”

From visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger comes a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise.

The all-new story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself trapped in an action-packed race for survival. What begins as another night quickly descends into horrifying chaos, forcing Bryan to fight his way through an increasingly dangerous ordeal.

The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.

Produced by TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and Davis Films, Resident Evil opened in theaters on September 18, 2026. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

Now showing in Philippine cinemas

Resident Evil is now showing in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX and 4DX.

Directed by: Zach Cregger

Written by: Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten

Produced by: Robert Kulzer, Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Victor Hadida, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan

Executive Producers: Oliver Berben, Richard Wright, and Robert Bernacchi

Cast: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser

September 21, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: Zach Cregger’s Take on ‘Resident Evil’ Is Scary AF and Funny as Hell

There is really nothing quiet like sitting in a packed cinema while watching a really good horror film. That was what my exact reaction to watching Zach Cregger’s Weapons last year, and he gave me the same experience with his take on the Resident Evil franchise. His film feels like a fresh setup for the wider universe. By intentionally avoiding familiar characters from the games and previous movies – while I have watched people play the game but not for long periods, and so all I know of the franchise comes from the film adaptations – so it’s a way for viewers unfamiliar with the lore to easily get in. He focuses purely on the simplicity of the story so that he can deliver extremely scary moments and absurd situations that elicit screams and laughter in equal measure.

Resident Evil follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who takes on an extra shift to deliver a critical medical package to Raccoon City General Hospital, miles up a mountain in the dead of winter. Motivated by news that his girlfriend might be expecting a baby, he lies about his car being equipped for traveling during heavy snow and embarks on the treacherous drive anyway. What he doesn’t know is that an outbreak has already overtaken the town, leaving the undead creatures of the franchise freely roaming the streets.

Resident Evil | Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

Abrams serves as an amazing foil for us to follow. Despite his rough, gruff attitude and the failure to communicate properly with his girlfriend over the news makes him difficult to empathize with at first, the moment he accidentally hits a woman on the road, he immediately stops to help her and rush her to the hospital. We all know in our seats that this is a massive mistake. But he does not know that, and while he could easily escape, he stays. From that moment, Cregger and co-screenwriter Shay Hatten have us completely rooting for him. Abrams possesses a wonderful everyman presence that keeps him relatable, delivering a fully committed performance that grounds the character (he really looks and acts terrified when things start happening) but also manages to amplify the comedy. He is exhausted, overworked, and just wants to earn money and to do a good job. As things get progressively weirder and weirder, he stubbornly soldiers on. It is such a clever, well-written character and Abrams plays it to a tee.

Resident Evil | Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

Cregger then assumes a directorial approach heavily inspired by the video game. Tight, over-the-shoulder camera angles following the sliver of light from Bryan’s cellphone turn every dark corner into a potential jump scare. The score enters and exits with surgical precision, at just the right time that you don’t realise you are being emotionally primed for frights or laughs. When Bryan swerves his light to illuminate a strange noise, the camera lags behind by just a fraction of a second – much like a video game – and the connection to the game is there and makes the whole experience feel really immersive. We are not just emotionally tied to Bryan; we are locked directly to what he sees. We are just as vulnerable as he is.

Resident Evil | Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

The storytelling moves at a fast-paced, action-packed pace. The rhythm is so good that Cregger and editor Joe Murphy pace the quiet moments with the thrilling ones. They steadily build the tension as we reach Raccoon City, straight into the heart of the infestation.

Resident Evil | Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

There is no real social commentary or grand metaphor that strikes me as I recall this movie, and for some reason, I don’t seem to mind at all. If anything, it is a realisation that Bryan ends up making about the possibility of him being a father, which happens at just the right moment, to heighten the stakes and the need to survive. What it does, though, the script uses this moment to deepen Bryan’s character, cementing our connection with him but makes no big statements either way.

Resident Evil | Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

At its core, this is just a straight-up horror film that happens to be wickedly funny. It’s very well-made; the filmmaking is precise and exquisite. It is exactly the kind of movie you really want to experience in a packed theater with your friends, and hope that it’s packed so that everyone is laughing and screaming with you. It’s an experience that should be shared collectively and, honestly, I really don’t mind watching it again. Sometimes a film can exist purely just for fun with no big ambitions for any higher purpose and that’s perfectly okay. It delivers what it promises, and for that, I absolutely adore it.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Packed with visceral scares and side-splitting comedy, Resident Evil is an absolute blast best experienced in a packed theater with your entire barkada. Check showtimes here.

September 19, 2026
David Ayer’s Emotional Survival Thriller ‘Heart of the Beast’ Starring Brad Pitt Sets Sneak Previews on September 19 and 20

Some stories hit hard before a single frame is even filmed. For director David Ayer, Heart of the Beast was one of them.

The filmmaker behind Fury and End of Watch knew almost immediately that Cameron Alexander’s screenplay was something he wanted to bring to the big screen.

Director David Ayer and Brad Pitt on the set of Heart of the Beast
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

It was simply one of the best pieces of writing I’d ever seen,” he says of the screenplay written by Cameron Alexander. “It didn’t just make me cry; it made me ugly cry. I’d have to stop and process a little bit, then start reading a few more pages.

Brad Pitt and Odin Face the Ultimate Fight for Survival

Known for kinetic, hard-edged stories about brotherhood, loyalty, and perseverance, Ayer found those same themes at the heart of the relationship between Sergeant Major James Belmont, played by Brad Pitt, and canine commando Odin.

Odin is portrayed by real dogs led by Uber, a majestic German Shepherd weighing more than 100 pounds.

In Heart of the Beast, Special Forces officer James Belmont and his combat dog are stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness following a harrowing plane crash. With no easy way out, the two must battle brutal conditions and push themselves to their limits to survive.

But beyond the danger, the film explores something deeply emotional: the unbreakable bond between two partners who refuse to abandon each other.

Watch the trailer here:

After surviving the unsurvivable in Iraq and Afghanistan, they face yet another challenge together,” says Ayer of Belmont and Odin.

In my mind, James had made the dog a promise, something like, ‘If we survive this, I’m going to take you fishing.’ There’s something magnetic about being stranded in the wilderness. We’ve all been cold. We’ve all been lost. We’ve all been hungry.

For Ayer, that universally recognizable fear helps make the story personal.

This film takes audiences on that journey and makes them wonder, could I survive this? But it’s also the story of devoted partners that never give up on each other, that care more about each other’s safety than their own and who would sacrifice themselves for the other in a heartbeat.

An Action-Adventure Story With Plenty of Heart

Oscar-winning La La Land director Damien Chazelle and producer Olivia Hamilton were equally drawn to the screenplay’s straightforward but powerful premise.

The simplicity of the script and its description of man versus wilderness grabbed us,” says Hamilton. “It didn’t try to be complicated, and it spoke to a broad audience. Yes, it’s an action and adventure movie, but there’s also a ton of heart.

That emotional core came from an intensely personal place for screenwriter Cameron Alexander.

Brad Pitt and German Shepherd Uber in Heart of the Beast
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

His longtime love of the outdoors and fascination with military culture helped inspire the film, particularly the relationship between Special Forces personnel and the combat dogs trained to serve alongside them.

Those guys are incredible,” he says. “During America’s most recent wars, they were joined by combat dogs capable of incredible tasks.

Alexander became especially interested in what happens after their service ends.

There hasn’t been a tale focusing on what happens to the soldiers or the dogs when they get out of the military. I became fascinated with their stories and I thought it could be a really unique portrayal of the PTSD they both can suffer from.

A Story Inspired by a Beloved Dog

Behind the military and survival elements is another source of inspiration: Alexander’s own dog, Hoss.

I wrote it at a difficult moment in my life,” Alexander says. “At the time, I felt like my only real friend was my dog Hoss. There was no complicated calculus. I just wanted to write about my dog.

German Shepherd Uber and Brad Pitt in Heart of the Beast
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

While Hoss was experiencing serious health problems, Alexander devoted his resources to caring for him. Then, shortly after Hoss passed away, an opportunity arrived that would change Alexander’s life.

Right when he passed away, Olivia and Damien came into my life. I felt like I took care of Hoss and, after his death, he took care of me. He made my dreams come true.

It is that relationship that helped shape the film’s central message.

So I hope the audience takes away the message to keep fighting for the things that you love and to never give up. That’s the core of the film.

Brad Pitt Calls It a Love Story

For Pitt, the relationship between Belmont and Odin ultimately pushes Heart of the Beast beyond the familiar boundaries of a wilderness survival thriller.

For me, this was a love story above and beyond a survival story,” he says. “And my hope is that that’s felt and that that’s experienced.

With a dangerous wilderness, an intense fight for survival, and the powerful connection between a soldier and his canine partner at its center, Heart of the Beast promises an emotional big-screen adventure for dog lovers and thriller fans alike.

Catch Heart of the Beast during special sneak previews in participating cinemas on September 19 and 20. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures PH.

Heart of the Beast opens nationwide in cinemas on September 23.

#HeartOfTheBeast

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}

September 18, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: What We Will (and Must) Remember: A Review of ‘Edjop’

The key to grasping Katski Flores’ Edjop, I believe, lies in the phrase that closes the film’s opening sequence: “Inspired by memories of real events.” Edjop is not a straightforward biopic of Edgar Jopson, the legendary student activist and rebel leader of the Martial Law era. Nor is it docufiction; the film takes deliberate creative liberties to embody authentic emotional truths rather than rigid historical accuracy. As Flores noted of her collaboration in the writing of the screenplay with Jade Castro, they both worked on the recollections of Jopson’s family and friends, and the film retells events from their perspectives.

Edjop is a non-linear tale told in two timelines. The first anchors us in the present with his daughter, Joyette Jopson (Jodie Sta. Maria), a triathlete competing in an Arctic marathon.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

She is constantly asked to join memorials and events recalling the horrors of Martial Law, a period in which her father is a key figure of, but Joyette actively resists. Her athleticism, her running, is a metaphorical running away from his legacy.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

Yet she is haunted by the stories of him and these form the second timeline of the film, as it recounts her father, Edgar Jopson (Elijah Canlas) as he becomes a student activist during the First Quarter Storm of the early 1970s into a full-blown underground communist rebel, on the run from the Marcos regime. Through this converging tracks, Joyette embarks on a journey to reconcile her father’s disappearance and come to terms with myth of a man she never truly knew.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

The film is not just marked by its two converging timelines, and I say converging because Flores and Castro write this film as if the past and present are entangled with each other; no easy feat. The two halves of Edjop could not be more different. The present-day scenes are shot on a mounted camera, mostly static, with Joyette framed in large, wide-open spaces. She is a woman burdened by the weight of the past.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

The flashbacks, the scenes set in the past detailing her father’s activist life are shot handheld, packed with extreme close-ups. The pacing is fast-paced and thrilling. The charge of revolution vibrates through every scene, causing the two worlds to collide at every cut. Editor Benjamin Tolentino does an excellent job pacing the film, making its two-hour runtime fly by. So much is happens as we are pounded by historical events, yet it never feels aimless or drawn out.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

Sta. Maria and Canlas serve as excellent foils for the audience, standing as polar opposites of each other. Sta. Maria’s Joyette is dealing with an internal struggle, her conflict simmers just underneath her facial expressions, in her posture and gait, and in the quiet nuance delivery of her lines. On the other hand, Canlas is vibrant and larger-than-life.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

His Edjop, the nickname of Edgar Jopson, is a character told from the collective memories of the people, friends, and family, demands a much larger canvas, and Canlas paints on it brilliantly. We also watch him evolve from an idealistic student activist into a full-blown underground rebel balancing family life, with his portrayal of the man shifts as the film leaps across timelines. It is exquisite work, really.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

Edjop feels big; it feels epic. Flores and cinematographer Neil Daza deliver excellent visual coverage, allowing the camera full freedom to capture the vast breadth of each scene. And we leap seamlessly from past to present, sweeping across Luzon, Mindanao, and Norway, moving from street rallies to a quiet town fiestas, and into the brutal chaos of a demolition job. This is a big movie that fully realises the ambitious scope of what it is trying to say.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

There are a few too many moments where the script takes a heavy-handed approach to Edjop’s dialogue. It gets a little too preachy at times, constantly dropping nuggets of wisdom clearly designed to encapsulate the things we need to take away from the film. Then again, this is all based on the memories of the people who remembered him. Ultimately, Edjop is meant for a specific audience: those who have forgotten, or perhaps never truly knew about the specifics of what really happened during the Martial Law era and the Marcos dictatorship.

Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

This is a big movie making big swings at any form of historical revisionism. It speaks about our history, reminding us of our heritage of fighting back whenever the system is turned against us. We all know about the EDSA Revolution, but films like Edjop exist to remind us that countless battles were fought long before the people finally surged onto EDSA. The film shows us precisely how we got there and also what sacrifices were made along the way. This is part of our history, and this movie asks us to never forget.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Anchored by magnificent performances from Elijah Canlas and Jodie Sta. Maria, Edjop is an essential big-screen experience. It is a technical triumph and an urgent piece of Philippine cinema that refuses to let history fade. Check out the latest showtimes here and catch it in theaters nationwide.

September 18, 2026
Zach Cregger’s “Resident Evil” Scares Up PHP 10.4 Million on Opening Day, Sets New PH Franchise Record

The nightmare has officially begun.

Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil stormed Philippine cinemas with a monstrous PHP 10,427,530 nationwide on its first day, marking the biggest opening day for the Resident Evil franchise in the Philippines.

Adding another win to its opening-day haul, the film also dethroned Insidious: Out of the Further, ending the horror title’s four-week streak as the biggest film in the country.

For horror fans ready to experience the terror for themselves, watch the official trailer here:

Critics Are Raving About “Resident Evil”

The new Resident Evil is not only making noise at the box office. Critics are also showering the film with praise.

The movie currently boasts a 97% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics deeming:

Not only are some calling this easily the best Resident Evil movie, but also one of the best films based on a video game ever.

The Wrap calls Resident Evil “Zach Cregger’s best film” yet, writing:

An incredible movie, Austin Abrams is an incredible leading man, and Zach Cregger cements his credibility as a modern master of horror.

Meanwhile, Deadline praises Austin Abrams’ performance, describing the film as his “star-is-born breakout role.”

Nerdist also highlights how Cregger captures the spirit of the original video games, writing:

“Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is like watching what it feels like to play a video game.”

One Terrifying Night Begins

From the mind of visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger, the director behind Weapons and Barbarian, comes a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the iconic Resident Evil franchise.

Set within an all-new story, Resident Evil follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself trapped in a relentless race for survival. As one horrifying night spirals into chaos, Bryan must fight his way through an increasingly dangerous nightmare where survival is anything but guaranteed.

Packed with tension, action, and chilling surprises, the film brings a fresh perspective to the long-running survival-horror franchise while paying tribute to the atmosphere that made the original games unforgettable.

“Resident Evil” Is Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas

Get ready for one heart-stopping night.

Resident Evil is now showing in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX and 4DX.

From TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and Davis Films, Resident Evil opens nationwide on September 18, 2026. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

Directed by: Zach Cregger

Written by: Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten

Produced by: Robert Kulzer, Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Victor Hadida, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan

Executive Producers: Oliver Berben, Richard Wright, and Robert Bernacchi

Cast: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser

September 17, 2026
Japanese Film Festival 2026 Brings Japanese Cinema, Kabuki, and Studio Ghibli Favorites Across the Philippines

Japanese cinema is set to light up screens across the country once again.

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2026 returns to the Philippines from October 1 to November 29, 2026, bringing together acclaimed films, timeless classics, animation, Kabuki performances, filmmaker conversations, and special cultural experiences for audiences in several cities.

Presented by The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), this year’s festival carries the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.” It reflects the way films, traditions, memories, and everyday human experiences can create connections that go beyond borders and generations.

Adding even more significance to this year’s celebration, JFF 2026 also marks the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippine-Japan Diplomatic Relations and the 30th Anniversary of The Japan Foundation, Manila.

Together, these milestones place friendship, cultural exchange, and shared storytelling at the heart of the festival.

JFF 2026 Heads to Eight Venues Nationwide

Japanese film fans outside Metro Manila will have plenty to look forward to.

In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JFF 2026 will be staged across eight venues in six cities, giving more Filipino audiences the chance to experience the range and richness of Japanese filmmaking.

The festival schedule is as follows:

The festivities officially begin with the JFF 2026 Opening Event on October 1 at the Ground Floor of Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall.

KOKUHO Opens the Festival With a Powerful Kabuki Story

Leading this year’s lineup is KOKUHO, the festival’s opening film.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker LEE Sang-il, KOKUHO is set against the demanding and deeply rooted world of Kabuki. At its center is a sweeping story of ambition, friendship, rivalry, family, and sacrifice.

The film made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival before earning major recognition at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize. Among its honors were Picture of the Year, Director of the Year for LEE Sang-il, and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for YOSHIZAWA Ryo.

LEE Sang-il’s celebrated film Hula Girls is also part of the JFF 2026 lineup, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the director’s work on the big screen.

From Kurosawa to Ghibli, the Lineup Has Plenty to Discover

JFF 2026 features a curated selection of 16 films, spanning contemporary cinema, classics, animation, and audience-friendly crowd-pleasers.

Among the standout titles is KUROSAWA Akira’s Throne of Blood, one of the legendary director’s most enduring works.

Anime fans, meanwhile, can revisit Studio Ghibli’s beloved Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, directed by MIYAZAKI Hayao.

The lineup also includes UNDER NINJA, starring YAMAZAKI Kento, and YAMADA Yoji’s TOKYO TAXI, alongside several other titles showcasing different sides of Japanese storytelling.

Whether you are drawn to drama, animation, period films, or contemporary stories, this year’s program is designed to offer something different with every screening.

Cinema Kabuki Takes Center Stage

One of JFF 2026’s most exciting attractions is Cinema Kabuki, a special presentation that brings the beauty, spectacle, and theatrical tradition of Kabuki to the cinema screen.

During the opening weekend, audiences can watch Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions), directed by YAMADA Yoji.

The experience does not stop with the screening.

Festivalgoers can also take part in special Kabuki activities, including a Kabuki Costume Dressing Demonstration on October 2 and a “Kumadori” Body-Painting Experience on October 3.

These programs are part of the JFF Discover Kabuki Tour, presented with the cooperation of Shochiku Co., Ltd.

For audiences encountering Kabuki for the first time, the activities offer an engaging introduction to one of Japan’s most recognizable theatrical traditions.

Nausicaä Day Is a Treat for Ghibli and Kabuki Fans

Another major highlight arrives on November 28 with Nausicaä Day.

The special presentation begins with Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, followed by two Cinema Kabuki screenings inspired by MIYAZAKI Hayao’s original manga.

Audiences can watch KABUKI “KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSICAÄ: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” Part 1 and Part 2, a stage adaptation that expands on the world beyond what was shown in the animated film.

Featuring episodes not depicted in the movie, the production combines elaborate stagecraft, dynamic action, and traditional Kabuki performance to bring Nausicaä’s world to life in a completely different form.

Both parts will be screened in stereo sound.

For longtime Ghibli fans, this is a rare chance to experience one beloved story through two distinctly Japanese art forms.

A Special Program Puts International Collaboration in Focus

JFF 2026 is also teaming up with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan and the Japan Film Commission for “Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2026.”

The special program takes place on November 21 and 22 and highlights cross-cultural exchange through film.

Among its featured titles are Jaime Pacena II’s Kono Basho and HAYAKAWA Chie’s RENOIR.

Younger audiences can also look forward to films such as AYABE Shinya’s School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno and SUZUKI Kei’s anime feature You, Fireworks, and Our Promise.

The program adds another layer to the festival by showing how Japanese cinema can open conversations about place, identity, youth, and collaboration across cultures.

Filmmaker Talks, Workshops, and Exclusive Festival Freebies

JFF 2026 is not only about sitting down for a movie.

Selected screenings will be followed by talkback sessions featuring directors and producers, giving audiences a closer look at the ideas, challenges, and creative choices behind the films.

There will also be festival activation campaigns throughout the run, where participants can score freebies and have the chance to win exclusive JFF 2026 merchandise.

With screenings, workshops, cultural activities, and filmmaker conversations in the mix, the festival turns a trip to the cinema into a fuller celebration of Japanese culture.

A Celebration of Stories Shared Across Borders

For decades, the Japanese Film Festival has served as a gateway for Filipino audiences to discover stories from Japan.

This year, that role feels especially fitting.

As the Philippines and Japan commemorate 70 years of normalized diplomatic relations, and The Japan Foundation, Manila celebrates three decades in the country, JFF 2026 places shared experiences at the center of its biggest attractions.

From Kurosawa classics and Studio Ghibli animation to Kabuki traditions and contemporary films, the festival brings different generations of Japanese storytelling together in one nationwide celebration.

JFF 2026 is made possible through the support of the Embassy of Japan, SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JTI Philippines, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Japan Film Commission, and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

For the full screening schedule, ticketing guidelines, venue information, workshops, and talkback sessions, visit japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph.

For more updates, follow @jfmanila on Facebook and Instagram.

September 17, 2026
Marvel Starts the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Countdown With New Official Podcast on Disney+ Philippines
Before the Avengers return to the big screen, Marvel is taking fans back to where the story began.

The “Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Official Podcast” is now streaming on Disney+ Philippines, revisiting five pivotal films from Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga as anticipation builds for “Avengers: Doomsday,” which arrives in Philippine theaters on December 16, 2026.

The first three episodes are already available, covering “The Avengers,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” and “Captain America: Civil War.”

For longtime MCU fans, it is a chance to relive the moments that defined Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. For everyone else, it works as a timely refresher before Marvel’s next massive crossover event.

Iman Vellani and Frank Alvarez Lead the Rewatch

The podcast is hosted by Iman Vellani, who stars as Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ “Ms. Marvel,” and Frank Alvarez of “The Basement Yard.”

Across the five-episode series, the pair revisit some of the MCU’s most important chapters, from the Avengers’ first team-up to the universe-altering events of “Infinity War” and “Endgame.”

Each episode combines a recap with a deeper conversation about key scenes, character arcs, relationships, and turning points that shaped the team.

Of course, the road does not stop at nostalgia.

Vellani and Alvarez also look ahead to “Avengers: Doomsday,” sharing thoughts on the characters, themes, and story possibilities that could play a role when Marvel’s heroes reunite.

The Podcast Revisits Five Essential MCU Films

The “Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Official Podcast” is available on Disney+, YouTube, and audio platforms.

Here is the full episode schedule:
- Now available: “The Avengers”
- Now available: “Avengers: Age of Ultron”
- Now available: “Captain America: Civil War”
- September 17: “Avengers: Infinity War”
- September 24: “Avengers: Endgame”
All five movies are also available to stream on Disney+ as part of the “Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga” Collection.

The final podcast episode will arrive in the same week as the theatrical re-release of “Avengers Endgame: Encore,”giving fans another way to revisit one of the MCU’s biggest films before the next Avengers chapter begins.

From the Battle of New York to the Endgame

The five selected films trace some of the most important developments in Avengers history.

“The Avengers” brought the original team together. “Age of Ultron” tested their unity and introduced new players. “Civil War” fractured the heroes from within. Then, “Infinity War” and “Endgame” pushed the MCU into its most devastating conflict yet.

Seen together, the films form a clear path through the team’s victories, failures, sacrifices, and shifting alliances.

That context makes the podcast more than a simple watch-along. It also serves as a reminder of just how much history the Avengers carry with them heading into “Doomsday.”

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Brings Together a Huge Marvel Cast

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, with Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Jonathan Schwartz serving as producers.

The film features a massive ensemble that includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Hayley Atwell, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Quinn, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, Mabel Cadena, and Tenoch Huerta Mejia.

In “Avengers: Doomsday,” heroes from three distinct universes are set on a deadly collision course as they face an existential threat unlike anything they have encountered before.

With that kind of scale on the horizon, Marvel’s new podcast offers fans a fitting way to retrace the Avengers’ journey before the next chapter changes everything again.

The “Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Official Podcast” is now streaming on Disney+ Philippines, while “Avengers: Doomsday” opens exclusively in Philippine theaters on December 16, 2026.
September 16, 2026
Bacolod’s Local Stories Take Center Stage at 3rd Bacolod Film Festival
Bacolod’s homegrown stories are heading to the big screen as nine local filmmakers receive production grants for the upcoming 3rd Bacolod Film Festival, happening from November 27 to 29.

Each filmmaker will receive P100,000 to produce a short film inspired by the city’s heritage, people, and evolving cultural identity.

Celebrating Bacolod’s Heritage Through Film

This year’s festival carries the theme “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future,” putting the spotlight on Bacolod’s traditions, communities, landmarks, and everyday experiences.

Festival Director Tanya Lopez talks to Mayor Greg Gasataya

The production grant, which will be released in two tranches, comes with dedicated workshops and script mentoring sessions designed to guide the filmmakers throughout production.

Filming will take place across Bacolod, giving each project an opportunity to turn familiar places and local experiences into compelling stories on screen.

Each short film, running between 15 and 20 minutes, must also feature three to five distinct Bacolod heritage markers. These may include historical landmarks, local traditions, culinary favorites, or slices of daily life that reflect the character of the city.

Preserving a Changing City on Screen

Festival Director Tanya Lopez emphasized the importance of visually documenting Bacolod’s cultural heritage as the city continues to change.

As neighborhoods, traditions, and familiar spaces evolve, the films can serve as valuable snapshots of Bacolod’s roots, allowing today’s audiences and future generations to see the city through the eyes of its storytellers.

Mayor Greg Gasataya

Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to developing Bacolod’s creative sector.

Among the city’s initiatives are City Ordinance 1061, also known as the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, and the G-Hive creative industry hub at the Mansilingan Activity Center. The hub gives filmmakers access to production equipment and studio spaces that can help support their creative projects.

Industry and Cultural Leaders Select Nine Projects

This year’s submissions were reviewed by a three-member evaluation panel composed of professionals from the film, tourism, culture, and performing arts sectors.

The panel included Jonathan Jurilla, filmmaker, professor, and director of the TaliSine Film Festival; Helen Arguelles-Cutillar, tourism and cultural advocate and Festival Director of Sagay City’s Margaha Film Festival; and Rolin Miguel Cadallo Obina, playwright, Bais City Culture and Arts Officer, and Festival Director of the Bais Film Festival.

Mayor Greg Gasataya presents the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival grantees

Following the evaluation process, nine projects were selected for production.

Meet the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival Grantees

The chosen films explore a colorful mix of local folklore, family relationships, personal identity, and community life:
- Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa, “Beware of Dog”
- Farleen John Casidsid, “Si Balong Ginbulang”
- Dranreb Cimatu, “Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod”
- Renzo Grijaldo, “Ka Aslum Sang Batwan”
- Jaden Mijares, “PrinCaesar”
- Mai Montelibano, “Lumay”
- Kurt Soberano, “Duwa Duwa”
- Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa, “Tukturuok”
- Pamela Reinee Viedor, “Ang Tagabantay”
Together, the selected entries promise to bring different sides of Bacolod to the screen, from cherished traditions and local beliefs to personal stories shaped by family and community.

A Powerful Platform for Emerging Filmmakers

For student filmmakers Farleen John Casidsid and Jaden Mijares, the grant program offers more than financial support.

Jaden Mijares flanked by Renzo Grijaldo and Mai Montelibano

They highlighted the festival as an important platform for emerging filmmakers to gain hands-on industry experience while sharing stories rooted in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

With funding, mentorship, and the city itself serving as both setting and inspiration, the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival is set to celebrate the stories that connect Bacolod’s past, present, and future.
September 16, 2026
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK: Resident Evil, Edjop, Runner, and More!

Ready for your weekly big screen fix? This week, theaters are welcoming a lineup that swings from the horrifying streets of a redefined zombie outbreak to high-octane action chases and historical underground movements. Whether you are looking for terrifying survival horror in Resident Evil, high-speed cartel chaos in Runner, powerful biographical drama in Edjop The Movie, or anime clan politics in The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie – Yotsuba Succession Arc, today’s slate has a ticket with your name on it.

Here are the new movies opening in cinemas this week to add to your cinema plans:

Resident Evil

2026 • R-16 • 1h 33m
ADVENTURE, HORROR, THRILLER
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Director Zach Cregger brings a terrifying new direction to the iconic survival horror franchise. Moving away from past iterations, this completely fresh story follows Bryan, an ordinary medical courier played by Austin Abrams. During a routine delivery, he unwittingly finds himself trapped in a horrifying, non-stop race for survival as an entire city collapses into chaotic madness overnight.

Austin Abrams as Bryan in Resident Evil

If your ideal movie night involves plenty of tension, frantic escapes, and things going very wrong very quickly, this one should be on your list.

Edjop The Movie

2026 • R-16 • 2h 4m
HISTORY
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This powerful historical biopic brings the inspiring life of Edgar Jopson to the big screen. Born into an affluent family with a comfortable future ahead of him, “EdJop” chooses a dangerous path, becoming a prominent underground activist dedicated to fighting for justice. Elijah Canlas stars as the young leader who directly confronts the oppressive regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, risking everything for his convictions.

Photo Courtesy of EdjopTheMovie

Elijah Canlas stars as Jopson, alongside Jodi Sta. Maria and Cedrick Juan. The film offers a dramatic look at the young activist and the events that shaped his life.

Runner

2026 • R-16 • 1h 37m
ACTION, COMEDY, THRILLER
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Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson team up for a high-stakes, fast-paced action comedy. A former soldier and his unlikely partner take on a critical medical delivery mission to save the life of a young girl. However, their route takes a deadly turn when they become the main targets of a ruthless drug cartel, forcing the duo to use every trick in the book to outrun their pursuers and reach the hospital in time.

Expect danger, chase sequences, and plenty of unexpected moments as this mismatched duo tries to stay one step ahead.

The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie – Yotsuba Succession Arc

2026 • R-13 • 1h 43m
ANIMATION, FANTASY, ROMANCE, SCIENCE FICTION
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The popular anime franchise returns to the big screen with a crucial, emotional chapter for the Yotsuba clan. An invitation arrives for the New Year’s Reception, where candidates gather to determine the next leader of their powerful family. If chosen as successor, Miyuki could finally free her brother Tatsuya from his outcast status. However, taking the throne means facing an arranged political marriage, leaving her completely torn as shocking secrets come to light.

What’s On Your Movie List This Week?

This week’s lineup keeps things interesting. Resident Evil is for horror fans who like their movie nights tense and unpredictable. EdJop brings a significant chapter of Philippine history to the screen. Runner delivers action with an unexpected partnership at its center, while The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie – Yotsuba Succession Arcbrings magic, family drama, and romance to anime fans. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a new movie ready for your next cinema run. Grab your favorite snacks, round up your barkadas, and secure your tickets for your next big-screen fix.

Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away!

September 16, 2026