 |
| (Top photo) The cast of 'Mallari' led by Piolo Pascual (second from left); John Bryan Diamante (second from left) at the contract signing between Mentorque Productions and Warner Bros (Photo Credit: Letters and Music) |
There has been much fanfare over the pact between Mentorque Productions and Warner Bros., beginning with the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Mallari," that even people who are not part of the entertainment industry ask, "What's with that?"
Well, it's the first time the Hollywood film studio is handling the theatrical distribution of a Filipino mainstream film---and by a new albeit rising Pinoy company at that. The last time Warner Bros. attempted to distribute locally was a limited release of an indie film in 2003.
According to a release, the road to Warner Bros. first local foray started when Rico Gonzales, Distribution Director of Warner Bros. Philippines, was given the go-signal by the regional and head offices in Burbank to initiate such a venture. Fortunately, Mentorque productions headed by its president, John Bryan Diamante, appeared in Rico's radar, and talks for a partnership began until the stars aligned.
At a press conference held at the Chairman's Lounge in Okada Manila over the weekend where media witnessed the formal contract signing between the two companies, Diamante said the partnership could not have come in a better time for them since Mentorque Productions is leveling up their lineup---from regional concerts and indie films, to major film productions with mainstream and international potential.
Of course, the first to benefit from all of these is the cast of "Mallari" led by Piolo Pascual. His first horror film and one that marks his return to the film festival, the movie is inspired by the true story of Fr. Severino Mallari, the Philippines' first and only serial killer. Directed by Derick Cabrido, the movie also stars Janella Salvador, Gloria Diaz, JC Santos, Elisse Joson, Tommy Alejandrino and Ron Angeles.
So, why did Warner Bros choose "Mallari?" Actually, the question is "Why not?"
The movie has epic horror ambitions: three time periods, extensive special effects, and the rare alchemy of popcorn jumpscare horror and mind-bending mystery. Believed to be the most expensive film in the MMFF 2023 (at least P80 million and counting), "Mallari" was shot in two distant provinces for authenticity , then inside a soundstage for effects. An entire Pampanga 19th century plaza was constructed in a remote land in Batangas, complete with a whole church. Beat that!
Indeed, Warner had chosen a splashy venture into reawakening the Philippine cinema market. Along with local film distribution, Warner and Mentorque are exploring paths to Warner distributing Filipino films to the Asian region, collaborations in streaming, and perhaps even the possibility of co-productions.
"Mallari" opens in Philippine cinemas on Dec. 25.
Comments
Post a Comment