The Manila Film Festival showcased four new short films from some of the most talented directors in the industry today: Pepe Diokno (fresh from his Metro Manila Film Festival success with GomBurZa), JP Habac (known for I’m Drunk, I Love You and the recent Love You Long Time), Dwein Baltazar (whose Third World Romance became a streaming and festival favorite), and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (famed for Kita Kita and whose short film Pushcart Tales has been acclaimed by us as one of her best).

Here are their latest offerings, as reviewed by our staff writers.

‘Under Parallel Skies’ is an entertaining romcom with a captivating performance by Janella Salvador, but it takes two to tango.

‘Mr. and Mrs. Cruz’ is a heartwarming romantic comedy that reminds us to stay positive, because eventually, we will find ourselves in a place that makes us smile. Now showing as part of the IdeaFirst Film Festival.