Reality MM Studios, a trailblazer in Philippine cinema known for its bold and globally acclaimed films, continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. Founded by veteran producer Dondon Monteverde and award-winning director Erik Matti, the studio has carved its niche with genre-defying projects that captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations about society and culture.
This year, Reality MM Studios embarks on a significant new collaboration with actor-turned-producer Gerald Anderson. Anderson’s The Th3rd Floor Studios, which started as a fitness and lifestyle venture, has since evolved into an innovative film and content production outfit. Their partnership marks a fresh chapter in both their creative journeys, promising to merge seasoned expertise with contemporary vision.
The first fruit of this partnership is “Rekonek,” an official entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The film takes place during a global internet outage, exploring how Filipinos from all walks of life are forced to navigate a world stripped of Wi-Fi, screens, and constant digital connection. In this new reality, characters are pushed to rediscover the true meaning of connection, relationships, and community.
Dondon Monteverde shared how the collaboration with Anderson has been years in the making. “Yung partnership namin talaga medyo matagal-tagal na. It started years back when we did the first ‘On The Job’ (2013). He really did a wonderful job there, so we really wanted to do more projects with him,” Monteverde recalled. Their creative paths crossed again during the production of “Buy Bust,” where Anderson played a lead role, sparking discussions about their shared vision for Philippine entertainment.
Monteverde emphasized the anticipation that built up over the years for this new venture. “Sobrang tagal na ‘to, sobrang tagal ng hinintay namin. Right now, nangyari na,” he said, expressing excitement now that the collaboration has finally come to fruition.
For Anderson, the partnership is both a professional milestone and a personal achievement. “Of course, dahil sa OTJ nakarating ako ng Cannes Film Festival. Na-experience ko yung mga festival na ganyan. After that, I was not able to go back. Meron kaming mga ibang proyekto sa pipeline na sana for festivals and of course for the Philippine market,” Anderson shared.
Talking about “Rekonek,” Anderson said, “This would be our first partnership. It’s a Christmas movie so sobrang sakto siya sa MMFF. Opo kasama ako diyan, hindi lang po ako nakita sa teaser. Napaka-beautiful ng kwento nito. Maraming makakarelate. It’s really within the times.” He emphasized how the film’s story is timely and sure to resonate with audiences experiencing the challenges of digital dependency.
Adding to the excitement, Anderson confirmed that he and Reality MM Studios are also working on “Buy Bust 2,” which, unlike the original film, will be developed as a series for Netflix. “I really feel so excited for this partnership kasi nakita ko yung attention to detail nila. Nag locked-in po kami sa Zambales sa isang liblib at looban talaga. Gumawa sila ng set dun para po talaga sa “Buy Bust.” Isang buwan kami nandoon. That just shows how yung dedication nila to provide quality movies [and series] para po sa mga Pilipino.”
“That’s the perfect partner that we all want, that I want. Lalo na po for my first project as a producer. Sana suportahan po ninyo ang “Rekonek” this MMFF.” As “Rekonek” prepares for its MMFF debut, Filipino moviegoers can look forward to a heartfelt, thought-provoking holiday film that reflects the realities and hopes of today’s world.