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Catch Wong Kar Wai’s “Happy Together” on the big screen and other award-winning Pride movies only at Cinema ‘76

Catch Wong Kar Wai’s “Happy Together” on the big screen and other award-winning Pride movies only at Cinema ‘76

Cinema ’76 Film Society celebrates Pride Month with special limited screenings of critically acclaimed and awarded LGBT films.

 

Regarded as one of the best LGBT movies ever made, “Happy Together” is a 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai and features stellar performances from its stars Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair.  This film is a must-see not only for fans of Queer Cinema but also fans of the celebrated auteur. “Happy Together” is considered one of Wong Kar-wai’s best works along with films like “Chungking Express” and “In the Mood for Love” and cinephiles shouldn’t miss the chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen.   

 

Transgender stories take center stage in the 2018 Cannes Film Festival Camera d’Or Best Feature Film winner “Girl”. Directed and co-written by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont in his debut film, “Girl” is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. Disturbing, as it is enlightening, “Girl” was also nominated for a Golden Globe under the Best Foreign Language Film category.

 

“Fanny: The Right To Rock” is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about the untold story of Fanny, the legendary Filipina American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers, and older women in a straight male-dominated industry like rock n’ roll. 

 

Cinephiles can catch all three films during its limited run and select screenings from June 21 to June 27 exclusively at Cinema ’76 Film Society Tomas Morato.

 

For the complete screening schedule, follow Cinema ’76 Film Society on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

“Happy Together” and “Girl” are screened in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines. “Fanny: The Right To Rock” is distributed by TBA Studios.

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TBA Studios unveils trailer for historical biopic ‘Quezon’ ahead of October 15 release

TBA Studios unveils trailer for historical biopic ‘Quezon’ ahead of October 15 release

Link to the Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgr-ABdgy9c
(Credit: TBA Studios)

TBA Studios has released the full trailer for the much-anticipated historical biopic “Quezon,” ahead of the film opening exclusively in theaters in the Philippines on October 15.

 Starring Jericho Rosales as Manuel L. Quezon, the film is the much-awaited conclusion to TBA Studios’ cinematic “Bayaniverse” trilogy, a series of films based on Philippine history. The “Bayaniverse” includes 2015’s “Heneral Luna,” the Philippines’ highest grossing historical movie of all time; and 2018’s critically acclaimed “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

 The trailer features key scenes and highlights from the film. Directed by Jerrold Tarog, “Quezon” is a historical drama that focuses on Manuel L. Quezon years after the Philippine Revolution during the American occupation.

The full synopsis of the film goes: “When his fight for Philippine independence from the United States is put to the test, Manuel L. Quezon finds himself playing the brutal game of politics to outmaneuver his rivals—including Leonard Wood, Sergio Osmeña, and Joven Hernando. In his relentless quest for power, he eventually faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo in the 1935 Philippine presidential elections, using charm and favoritism as both weapons and currency, in a campaign that ultimately changes the face of Philippine politics and history.”

Joining Rosales in the film are Benjamin Alves as Young Manuel L. Quezon and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, reprising their roles from “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.” Iain Glen of the hit fantasy television series “Game of Thrones” joins “Quezon” as Leonard Wood. Arron Villaflor also returns to the “Bayaniverse” as Joven Hernando, with Cris Villanueva playing the role of the older Joven Hernando.

 The ensemble cast also includes Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmeña, Karylle as Aurora Quezon, JC Santos as Manuel Roxas, and Jake Macapagal as Manuel Nieto. Completing the cast are Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.

  “Quezon” is produced by TBA Studios with the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and CreatePHFilms.

 TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu-Soon said that while it is the conclusion to the film studios’ acclaimed “Bayaniverse” trilogy, “Quezon” is a stand-alone film.

“We are excited and proud to present ‘Quezon’ to the big screen both in the Philippines and internationally soon. This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing the very best of Philippine cinema to the movie theaters,” Chiu-Soon said. “With this, ‘Quezon’ is designed to be a compelling stand-alone cinematic experience for all audiences, whether they’ve seen the previous films or not.”

 Chiu-Soon added that TBA Studios will offer special ticket prices for students and teachers, the details of which will be announced soon.

 Following its October 15 premiere in Philippine theaters, “Quezon” will be released internationally at a later date.

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TBA Studios’ historical biopic ‘Quezon’ coming exclusively to theaters on October 15

TBA Studios’ historical biopic ‘Quezon’ coming exclusively to theaters on October 15

 

TBA Studios has announced that its historical biopic film “Quezon” will premiere exclusively in Philippine theaters on October 15, 2025.

“Quezon” marks the much-awaited conclusion of the film studio’s cinematic “Bayaniverse” trilogy, a series of films based on Philippine history that includes 2015’s “Heneral Luna,” the Philippines’ highest-grossing historical movie of all time; and 2018’s critically acclaimed “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

Jericho Rosales plays the title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. Jerrold Tarog returns to the TBA Studios Bayaniverse as director.

Filming for “Quezon,”—which is expected to follow the life of Quezon, who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines—officially wrapped on June 10.

Reprising their roles from “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” are Benjamin Alves as Young Manuel L. Quezon and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo. Iain Glen, known for his portrayal of Jorah Mormont in the hit American fantasy television series “Game of Thrones,” joins the cast as Leonard Wood.

The film also stars Arron Villaflor (who also returns to the TBA Studios “Bayaniverse” as Joven Hernando), Cris Villanueva (who plays the adult Joven Hernando), Romnick Sarmenta (Sergio Osmeña), Karylle (Aurora Quezon), JC Santos (Manuel Roxas), and Jake Macapagal (Manuel Nieto). Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco complete the cast.

“Quezon” is produced by Daphne O. Chiu-Soon with the support of TBA Studios’ Chairman Emeritus Fernando Ortigas and TBA Studios’ CEO E. A. Rocha. Jericho Rosales served as co-executive producer, with Margie Navarro-De Guzman and Atty. Rod Vera as associate producers. Jerrold Tarog and Rody Vera co-wrote the screenplay. Behind the camera, Tarog is joined by Pong Ignacio (Director of Photography), Monica Sebial (Production Design), Immanuel Verona and Fatima Salim (Sound), and The Post Office (Visual Effects).

This film is a recipient of the CreatePHFilms incentive from the Film Development Council of the Philippines

After opening in Philippine theaters on October 15, “Quezon” will premiere internationally at a later date.

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TBA Studios taps ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen to join historical biopic ‘Quezon’

Image Credit: TBA Studios; (Iain Glen with “Quezon” director Jerrold Tarog)

TBA Studios taps ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen to join historical biopic ‘Quezon’

MANILA — “Game of Thrones” actor Iain Glen is joining the cast of TBA Studios’ biographical historical movie “Quezon,” the film company announced on March 17, 2025.

Glen, whose credits include the role of Jorah Mormont in the fantasy drama television series, “Game of Thrones,” has been cast as Leonard Wood, the United States Army major who served as Governor-General of the Philippines. Wood played a pivotal role in Manuel Quezon’s quest for Philippine independence from the United States.

 The Scottish actor met the cast and crew of the film for their script reading at The Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines earlier this year.

“Quezon” director and co-writer Jerrold Tarog said the casting of Glen as Leonard Wood makes the film “much more alive.” “(Iain Glen) has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood,” he said.

“We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon’,” said TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu. “This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled. We are excited to share with Iain—and the rest of the world—the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of.”

 The Philippine government agency National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) have announced their support for the project, with the latter providing funding for the movie. The country’s Department of Tourism and the QCinema Film Foundation have also given their support to the film.

Glen joins Jericho Rosales, who plays the film’s title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. 

Aside from his role as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” Glen is known for playing memorable characters such as Dr. Alexander Isaacs in the action horror film series “Resident Evil” and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey.” More recently, he played Dr. Pete Nichols in Apple TV+’s dystopian drama “Silo,” and Magnus MacMillan in Prime Video’s supernatural thriller “The Rig.” He is also the voice actor for Juste Belmont in Netflix’s animated show “Castlevania: Nocturne.”

Image Credit: TBA Studios, (From L-R) Benjamin Alves as Manuel L. Quezon 1, Iain Glen as Leonard Wood, Director Jerrold Tarog, Jericho Rosales as Manual L. Quezon 2, and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo)

 “Quezon,” which is expected to follow the life of the Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, is set to begin production this March.  

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TBA Studios names Jericho Rosales as lead of historical biopic “Quezon”

TBA Studios names Jericho Rosales as lead of historical biopic "Quezon"

TBA Studios, officially announced on February 18 that actor Jericho Rosales will play the title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon in the biographical historical movie “Quezon.”

Rosales will lead the cast of the much-anticipated biopic, which is expected to follow the life of Quezon, a Filipino lawyer, and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. “Quezon” will serve as Rosales’ long-awaited return to Philippine cinema after a years-long hiatus; he was last seen on the big screen via the 2018 romantic drama “The Girl in the Orange Dress.” On television, he recently starred in the hit ABS-CBN drama “Lavender Fields.”

“I feel so honored to be with this team. Coming to a script like this which is so potent and so entertaining, I feel so lucky and happy.” Rosales said. “Here, you will see Quezon as a person. He’s not written as a hero. He is cunning, he is charming, he is intelligent. Quezon is such an interesting character to play; there are so many things I can put into the role to build Quezon as a character. That adds to the pressure, but at the same time I am very excited.”

TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu said of the casting: “We are honored to welcome Jericho Rosales as he leads the cast of ‘Quezon.’ Jericho’s unbelievable screen presence has made him one of our best actors today, and we’re all looking forward to working with him and seeing how his artistry can give life to one of the country’s most charismatic yet divisive political figures.”

Meanwhile, “Quezon” director and co-writer Jerrold Tarog said Rosales was cast for the power he is known to deliver on screen—the same power the actor showcased when he auditioned for the role of Gen. Antonio Luna in the 2015 historical biopic “Heneral Luna.”

Also starring in “Quezon” are Mon Confiado and Benjamin Alves, who reprise their roles from earlier films “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.” Confiado returns as Emilio Aguinaldo and Quezon’s political rival. Meanwhile, Alves portrays a younger Manuel L. Quezon. 

Joining Rosales, Confiado, and Alves are Karylle Yuzon as Quezon’s wife, Aurora Quezon; Romnick Sarmenta as Sergio Osmeña, the first Vice President of the Philippines; JC Santos as Manuel Roxas; and Cris Villanueva as the older Joven Hernando, the only fictional character in the film series.

Chiu hinted that more exciting “Quezon” casting announcements are coming soon.

“Quezon”—part of TBA Studios’ cinematic “Bayaniverse,” a series of films based on Philippine history that includes box office hits “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”—will be released in cinemas both locally and worldwide later this year.

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TBA Studios officially begins production on historical film ‘Quezon’ 

TBA Studios officially begins production on historical film ‘Quezon’

TBA Studios has announced that its highly-anticipated biographical historical movie “Quezon” is set for production this year with a target theatrical release later this year.

“Quezon” marks the continuation of TBA Studios’ cinematic “Bayaniverse”—a series of films based on Philippine history that includes box office hits “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.” It is also the company’s first major film production since 2020, after bringing award-winning international films such as the Academy Award-winning “Everything, Everywhere All At Once” and “Past Lives”, and the Dolly de Leon-starrer “Triangle of Sadness” to Philippine theaters as a distributor.

Filming for “Quezon” is set to start in March 2025.

The movie is expected to follow the life of Manuel L. Quezon, a Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, highlighting his tumultuous presidential campaign against then-President Emilio Aguinaldo.

According to TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu, “Quezon” will be released both locally and worldwide. She added that the film will be produced as a stand-alone—a movie that exists within the same cinematic continuity of TBA Studios’ beloved historical films “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”, but will be made accessible to moviegoers who have not seen the earlier films.

Jerrold Tarog, the director and co-writer of “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” is set to return to helm “Quezon.”

The film is supported by the Philippine government agency National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the latter announcing last year a funding support for the movie. This landmark partnership signals a shared goal between TBA Studios, NCCA, and FDCP to further strengthen the local film industry by delivering and promoting world-class films.

Casting for the movie’s major and supporting roles is currently underway and will be announced soon. Chiu teases that the cast will feature names that will surprise and excite audiences and hardcore fans of the Bayaniverse alike.

TBA Studios made its mark in the Philippine film industry with the box-office and critical success of “Quezon’s” historical film predecessors—with “Heneral Luna” earning the title as the Philippines’ highest-grossing historical film of all time during its record-breaking theatrical run in 2015 and the Philippines’ official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

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#ProudlyTBA: “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, “Triangle of Sadness”, and “The Whale” bag historic Oscars nominations

#ProudlyTBA: “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, “Triangle of Sadness”, and “The Whale” bag historic Oscars nominations

TBA Studios, one of the Philippines’ leading film production and distribution companies, makes history yet again for having three of its acquired and distributed films receive numerous nominations for the 95th Academy Awards.

Leading the pack is Everything Everywhere All At Once with 11 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Costume, and acting nods for the stellar performances of Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress), Ke Huy Quan (Best Supporting Actor), and a double Best Supporting Actress nomination for Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu.

The A24-produced multiverse adventure has already swept the awards season with critical wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) for Yeoh, Curtis, Quan, and the ensemble cast as well as Golden Globe trophies for Yeoh and Quan.

Also produced by A24, The Whale earned three nominations from the Academy: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Supporting Actress (Hong Chau), and Best Actor (Brendan Fraser). Fraser, who also just recently won the SAG Awards for his career-defining role as a morbidly obese reclusive English teacher in this Darren Aronofsky masterpiece, is the current favorite to win in this category.

Finally, the 75th Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness makes it to the Academy Awards with three major nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director for Ruben Östlund.

The satirical black comedy made a huge splash since its premiere in Cannes not only for its wickedly funny depiction of class struggle but also for the scene-stealing performance of Filipina character actress Dolly de Leon.

De Leon may have not been nominated for the Oscars, but she has received historic nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards, making her the first Filipina actress to achieve such a feat.

TBA Studios President & COO Daphne O. Chiu couldn’t have been more honored to be able to bring these award-winning movies to the Philippines.

“In the past year, TBA Studios have distributed international films that showcase Asian excellence, especially with Filipinos working in front or behind the camera like the rock documentary Fanny: The Right To Rock, the Japanese-Filipino produced drama Plan 75, the Irish-Filipino collaboration Nocebo, and Triangle of Sadness had Dolly and for The Whale, there’s Matthew Libatique. And as a Filipino-Chinese myself, Everything Everywhere All At Once was a story that’s very close to my heart,” she shared.

With the success of these films, Chiu stated that Filipino moviegoers could expect to see more exciting offerings coming to the big screen soon.

She added: “We’re delighted with the achievements that our acquired and distributed titles have reached and look forward to continuing to produce films such as Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Sunday Beauty Queen, and Birdshot that Filipino theater audiences can be proud of.”

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Singapore-South Korea film “Ajoomma” starring Kang Hyung Suk, Yeo Jin Goo coming to Ph cinemas on March 15

Singapore-South Korea film “Ajoomma” starring Kang Hyung Suk, Yeo Jin Goo coming to Ph cinemas on March 15

Yeo Jin Goo (left) with “Ajoomma” star Hong Huifang (right). Photo credits: TBA Studios/Rediance

TBA Studios has acquired exclusive Philippine theatrical distribution rights to the lighthearted family drama “Ajoomma”, which will be released on March 15.

Directed by Singaporean filmmaker, He Shuming, his feature debut film tells the story of a middle-aged, Korean-drama-obsessed widow from Singapore who travels out of the country for the first time to Seoul, and ends up getting lost. Her journey becomes an unexpected road of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with the life she truly wants for herself, beyond her roles of daughter, wife, and mother.

He shared that the story is inspired by his own mother’s fascination with Korean dramas. “While the premise seems to be timely given the popularity of Korean pop culture sweeping through all of Asia and beyond, it merely serves as an undertone for the film, which is about a middle-aged Singaporean woman learning to navigate life beyond her duties as a mother, a housewife, and a caretaker,” the director added.

The film stars veteran Singaporean actress Hong Huifang as the titular ‘ajoomma’ (Korean for middle-aged ‘auntie’) and is supported by a cast of well-known South Korean actors like Kang Hyung Suk (“Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”), senior actor Jung Dong Hwan (“Uncontrollably Fond”, “Hotel del Luna”), and Yeo Jin Goo of “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Hotel del Luna” fame in a special guest role.

“Ajoomma” had its world premiere at the 27th Busan International Film Festival last October 2022. Since then, the film has racked up numerous awards and recognitions, including four nominations at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. It was also selected as Singapore’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. 

“Ajoomma” is produced by Cannes award-winning director Anthony Chen (“ILO ILO”) and has the distinction of being the first film to be co-produced between Singapore and South Korea. According to Chen, the film “reflects the unique way that Korean pop culture resonates with audiences across Asia and the world.”

TBA Studios’ President and COO Daphne Chiu share the same sentiment. “Filipinos are very passionate about Korean culture and media. We feel that audiences here especially women of all ages would be able to relate to this film. It’s a heartwarming story perfect for families.”

“Ajoomma” opens in Philippine cinemas on March 15.



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Filipino Film Community in L.A. celebrates Dolly de Leon with an ‘Evening of Gladness’

Filipino Film Community in L.A. celebrates Dolly de Leon with an ‘Evening of Gladness’

(Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

The Filipino film community in the Philippines and in Los Angeles joined forces to celebrate actress Dolly de Leon’s historic nomination at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.

Held last January 11, the event dubbed as “Evening of Gladness” saw the attendance of Filipino-American artists, filmmakers, and media to show their support for de Leon during the critical awards season campaign.

The event kicked-off with a Welcome Remarks from TBA Studios Head of International Sales & Acquisitions Cindy Sison and four-time Emmy-winner TV executive producer Lisa Lew, who graciously opened her home as the venue of the event. It was soon followed by a performance from young Fil-Am singer CJ Uy, who sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly” with new lyrics written by former TBA Studios President Vincent Nebrida. Hollywood Foreign Press members and Filipino entertainment journalists Ruben and Janet Nepales introduced de Leon.

Cindy Sison, TBA Studios Head of International Sales & Acquisitions with Dolly de Leon and singer CJ Uy (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with multi-awarded TV producer Lisa Lew (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

HFPA members and entertainment journalists Janet and Ruben Nepales (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon took the stage and shared words of thanks to everyone back in the Philippines as well as in the U.S. who have tirelessly supported her throughout her journey.

Notable guests in attendance include Filipino American actors Dante Basco, Darion Basco, and Dion Basco, producer Peter Brennan, Korean-American actor Phillip Rhee, actors Andy Cheng and Peter Kwong, and filmmakers Marie Jamora and Quark Henares.

De Leon with Basco brothers (L-R) Darion, Dante, and Dion (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

Guests were served with delectable dishes created by Chef Victor Cardet of Crustacean, Tiato with desserts care of Dessert by Dolci, featuring creations from Filipino-American pastry chefs Jillian Bartolome and Margarita Manzke.

 De Leon, whose scene-stealing role in Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning social satire “Triangle of Sadness”, have caught the attention of critics and prestigious award-giving bodies, earning her a win in the L.A. Film Critics Awards and a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Satellite Awards and Golden Globe Awards—a first for a Filipina to be nominated in the category.

(L-R) Amazon Prime Senior Development Executive Raphael Phang, Cindy Sison, Amazon Prime Head of Originals Erika North, Amazon Prime Head of Originals Philippines Quark Henares, and filmmaker Marie Jamora (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with Peter Brennan, Lisa Lew (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

De Leon with Phillip Rhee (Photo Credit: Sthanlee B. Mirador)

The “Evening of Gladness” wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contribution and support of Lisa Lew as well as members of the Philippine congress Cong. Toff de Venecia, Cong. Edward Maceda, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, Cong. Kiko Benitez, Cong. Ana Veloso-Tuazon, Cong. Linabelle Villarica, Former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Cong. Lianda Bolilia, Cong. Rida Robes, Cong. Ria Vergara, Cong. Arjo Atayde, Cong. Bryan Revilla, Cong. Nikka Co, Cong. Stella Quimbo, Cong. Angelo Marcos Barba, Cong. Mark Go, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

The event was spearheaded and organized by Lew’s PandL Productions and TBA Studios, the exclusive Philippine distributor of the film.

Special thanks to “Triangle of Sadness” U.S. distributor, Neon. 

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TBA Studios acquires critically-acclaimed Filipino-Irish thriller ‘Nocebo’

TBA Studios acquires critically-acclaimed Filipino-Irish thriller ‘Nocebo’

TBA Studios has acquired the Philippine theatrical distribution rights to “Nocebo,” the Filipino-Irish suspense thriller starring Eva Green (“300: Rise of an Empire”), Mark Strong (“Shazam!”), and Cebuana actress Chai Fonacier (“Patay na si Hesus”). 

Directed by Irish Film and Television Awards-winning filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan (“Vivarium”) and written by Garret Shanley (“Without Name”), “Nocebo” centers on Christine, a fashion designer (Green) who suffers from a mysterious illness that confounds her doctors and frustrates her husband, Felix (Strong). Help arrives in the form of Diana, a Filipino nanny (Fonacier) who uses traditional folk healing to reveal a horrifying truth.

“Nocebo” was the opening film at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival and had limited runs at Sitges Film Festival, Cork International Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, and QCinema International Film Festival. It was the first recipient of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)’s International Co-production Fund (ICOF) in 2020. “Nocebo” was produced by Brunella Cocchiglia and Emily Leo and co-produced by the Filipino production company, Epicmedia. It was executive produced by XYZ Films.

“TBA Studios is ecstatic to bring ‘Nocebo’ to a wider audience in the Philippines featuring our very own Chai Fonacier in an international film steeped in Filipino folklore. It is only fitting that our kababayans watch the movie on the biggest screen they could find with a crisp sound system to immerse in the world of ‘Nocebo’,” said Daphne O. Chiu, President and COO of TBA Studios.

This is TBA Studios’ first project with Bianca Balbuena of Epicmedia and Chiu looks forward to a promising partnership with her fellow producer. “Bianca and I go way back since our Cinemalaya days and I’m thrilled to have a chance to work with her again after more than a decade. We hope this is the start of more exciting ventures for us both,” Chiu added. 

The film acquisition comes on the heels of the much-talked-about local releases of Cannes-winning films “Triangle of Sadness”, a cinematic masterpiece which actress Dolly de Leon made history as the first Filipina to be nominated for Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actress; and “Plan 75”, Japan’s entry to the Academy Awards that likewise stars a thespian of Filipino descent, Stefanie Arianne. TBA Studios also distributed the award-winning “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, which had a successful theatrical run in the Philippines.

This winning streak of highly acclaimed film releases continues in “Nocebo” set to be released in Philippine cinemas on January 18, 2023.

For more updates on Nocebo, visit tba.ph and follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #NoceboPH. 

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