A Mountaintop Celebration of Film, Music, and Storytelling



High above the clouds in Santa Maria, Laguna, the Santa Maria Music & Film Festival (SMMFF) returns this December 6, 2025, inviting audiences once again to experience cinema and music under the stars. Framed by the stunning Sierra Madre mountain range, the festival has quickly become one of the most unique creative gatherings in the Philippines — a rare fusion of film, music, and the great outdoors.

Since its inaugural edition in 2023, SMMFF has grown from a small passion project into an internationally recognized event. The 2025 edition will feature 39 finalist films from 17 countries, showcasing stories that cross cultures, languages, and artistic forms.

How It All Began



The Santa Maria Music & Film Festival is the brainchild of Jennifer Maliwanag, a multi-awarded director and photographer whose love for storytelling inspired her to turn her family’s mountain property into a mountaintop cinema.

What started as a student-led initiative has evolved into a powerful creative movement. In 2023, Jennifer transformed the summit of Brgy. Pao-o into an open-air sanctuary for art and storytelling. Despite the challenges of its remote location, her vision was clear — to build a space where creativity, community, and nature meet.

Today, that vision continues to grow. SMMFF has become a cultural tradition and a beacon of inspiration for artists and dreamers across the globe.

SMMFF 2025: A Global Stage for Bold Voices

Now in its third year, SMMFF 2025 will feature 39 finalists from across the world — from the United States and Korea to Austria, Italy, the Philippines, and beyond. These films were handpicked from the largest and most diverse pool of submissions yet, representing narrative shorts, documentaries, experimental works, and musical films.

Only the final winners, chosen from among the quarterly finalists, will be screened at the festival’s signature Santa Maria Open Air Cinema, creating a breathtaking convergence of art, music, and nature.

The lineup includes powerful stories such as Visions of Her (USA), K-Indi IDOL (Korea), Time Before Kevin (Philippines), Greensky Bluegrass – Find Ourselves Lost (Austria), and Reborn (Japan). Each film explores the festival’s spirit — seeing the unseen, and telling stories that move beyond the ordinary.

Why You Should Attend

A One-of-a-Kind Setting

Perched atop the Sierra Madre ridgeline, the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema offers panoramic views of Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal, and Laguna de Bay. Guests breathe in crisp mountain air as they watch films surrounded by nature — a cinematic experience unlike any other in the country.

A Gathering of Creative Minds

SMMFF is not just a festival; it’s a meeting point for storytellers, musicians, and adventurers. Here, creative minds from around the world gather to share ideas, experiences, and inspiration.

A Diverse Program

From indie shorts to student films and music-driven documentaries, the festival’s lineup reflects a wide spectrum of storytelling. Every voice, perspective, and genre has a place on this mountain stage.

A Thoughtful Outdoor Experience

Organizers have carefully designed a seamless outdoor experience — complete with eco-friendly hydration stations, comfort accommodations, and travel guidance to ensure everyone enjoys the journey to the summit.

Planning Your Visit

📅 Date: December 6, 2025 (Saturday)
🕓 Time: 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 available)

Pro Tips: Bring a light jacket, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable shoes suitable for a mountain environment.

The Team Behind the Vision

The festival’s heart and soul lie in its dedicated organizing committee:

  • Jennifer Maliwanag – Festival Director
    A visionary storyteller and creative entrepreneur whose mission is to amplify Filipino creativity and build a welcoming platform for diverse voices.

  • Rex Lopez – Producer & Creative Lead
    A former multinational creative director and co-founder of Psyops8 and BlackOps Studios Asia, Rex brings his sharp eye for storytelling and production expertise to elevate SMMFF’s creative direction.

  • Jerico Maliwanag – Film Creator & Communications Lead
    A filmmaker and storyteller known for his work at Stories We Tell Agency and World Cup Café at 143 Summit, Jerico helps shape the festival’s identity both visually and experientially.

Looking Toward the Future

The Santa Maria Music & Film Festival is more than just an annual event — it’s a growing tradition, a celebration of creative courage, and a reminder to look deeper and See What Others Can’t.

As it enters its third year, SMMFF continues to honor its mission: to create a sanctuary where every story matters and every artist can find their voice among the clouds.