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Manila International Film Festival 2025 Postponed Due to Los Angeles Wildfires

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The 2025 Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) has been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, California.

MIFF Chairman and Co-Founder Omen Ortiz released a statement regarding the decision. Ortiz expressed concern for the victims of the wildfires and emphasized solidarity with affected communities, including Filipinos in Los Angeles.

“We are devastated by the tremendous impact of the wildfires on many people, including the Filipino community,” Ortiz said. “At this time, as we pray for the people experiencing trauma and loss, we ask all to continue supporting the fire relief efforts.”

Ortiz also assured that new festival dates would be announced soon. The rescheduled event will honor the frontline workers and volunteers, including Filipino first responders, who are working tirelessly to combat the wildfires.

Assistance for Filipinos in Los Angeles

The wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced thousands, including over 150 Filipinos. Many sought assistance from the Filipino Workers Center in Los Angeles after losing their homes.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles is actively working to aid Filipinos affected by the disaster.

Originally scheduled for January 30 to February 2, the MIFF screenings were set to occur at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. The lineup included films from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, such as “Green Bones”, the Best Picture winner, and other notable entries like “The Kingdom”, “My Future You”, and “Isang Himala”.

The festival also planned special screenings of classics and global premieres, including:

  • “Hello, Love, Again”
  • “Genghis Khan”
  • “The Debut”
  • “A Filipino in America”
  • “Faith Healers”
  • “Nurse Unseen”
  • “Love Hurts” (global premiere)
  • “Song of the Fireflies” (global premiere)

The wildfires also postponed other major events, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations.

The postponement reflects MIFF’s commitment to standing with affected communities during this crisis. The festival aims to return stronger, celebrating Filipino talent while honoring the resilience of the frontline heroes.

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