MANILA -- VMX (formerly Vivamax) will be turning up the heat with its first-ever film festival, set to launch in 2025.

“VMX as a brand is daring and groundbreaking. The industry is in need of something new, something explosive. We need a game-changer,” Ronald Arguellas, head of Vivamax Plus and Aggregation, said at the event celebrating their milestone of reaching 12 million subscribers.

According to the executive, they are hoping to “discover fresh talents, voices, and visions,” that can “revitalize” not only their platform  but the entire Filipino film industry.

“We are calling filmmakers ready to break the mold and redefine cinema. We are looking for bold and fresh perspectives,” he added.

The deadline of submission for full scripts that tell the Filipino story while featuring a touch of erotica will be on November 20.

The selected seven finalists, Arguellas said, will be awarded with a P2-million grant.

“Yung running time kasi minimum of 60 minutes, pwede gawing 70 minutes, bahala sila,” he explained. “Amateur or veteran basta first time sa Vivamax.”

The executive also encouraged filmmakers to explore stories that will further diversify the catalog of local cinema.

“We want fresh new stories… It is open to diversity from regional filmmakers and stories from LGBTQIA+ community and stories with alternative take to erotica,” he said.

VMX also announced they will soon launch a talent search program.