Rep. Sam Verzosa has strongly advocated transforming the Manila Film Festival into a prestigious international event. 

Sam shared his vision, which aims to showcase and promote local talents while elevating the Philippines as a prime destination for film enthusiasts across Asia. 

"Kung may Metro Manila Film Festival, kaya rin natin magkaroon ng Manila Film Festival," said Sam during an interview at a charity event in Manila recently.

(If there is a Metro Manila Film Festival, we can also have the Manila Film Festival.)

Sam added: "Meron ngang Tokyo Film Festival at Cannes Film Festival. Kung nakagawa ako ng multinational na international company (Frontrow), bakit hindi natin gawin sa Maynila yun? Gagawin nating model city ang Maynila kapag nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon."

(There's the Tokyo Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. If I've built a multinational international company (Frontrow), why can't we do that in Manila? We'll make Manila a model city if given the opportunity.)

By attracting global filmmakers and audiences, Verzosa believes that the festival can highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, stimulate the local film industry, and boost tourism. 

His efforts focus on creating a platform where Filipino artists can shine on an international stage, fostering connections and collaborations that benefit the country's cinematic landscape.

Now entering its third year, the government of Manila has proudly launched the highly anticipated second edition of The Manila Film Festival (TMFF). 

This initiative aims to reinvigorate the city’s legacy as the Philippines' most historically significant and culturally rich urban center, transforming it into a vibrant creative hub that celebrates Filipino arts and culture, with a special emphasis on cinema.

TMFF 2024 is dedicated to fostering artistically exceptional and culturally meaningful filmmaking. To achieve this, the festival introduces TMFF film grants aimed at supporting the next generation of Filipino independent filmmakers. 

These grants will be awarded to eight outstanding works-in-progress within the short film category, providing crucial resources and recognition to emerging talents in the industry. 

By prioritizing independent cinema, TMFF seeks not only to highlight innovative storytelling but also to encourage diverse representations of Filipino narratives on both local and global stages. 

Through these efforts, the festival reinforces its commitment to nurturing the country's rich cinematic heritage and ensuring its continued growth and evolution in the arts.