LOOK: Piolo Pascual’s ‘Mallari’ makes history as first-ever Filipino film to be distributed by Warner Bros.
History has been made. International media company Warner Bros. is set to make its mark on the Philippine film industry by assuming theatrical distribution of the highly anticipated horror-thriller “Mallari” across the country. This significant departure from the studio’s previous limited involvement in local film distribution, dating back to the 2003 release of an indie film, signals a bold leap into Philippine cinema.
The journey towards Warner Bros.’s first major local venture commenced when Rico Gonzales, armed with approval from the studio’s regional and head offices in Burbank, California embarked on a mission to explore strategic partnerships within the Philippine film industry. It was during this quest that Mentorque Productions’ “Mallari” captured Gonzales’s attention, sparking discussions for a potential collaboration.
John Bryan Diamante, President of Mentorque Productions, expressed admiration for Warner Bros.’s commitment to supporting high-quality local films, emphasizing the alignment of goals between the two entities. Diamante remarked, “It’s like the stars aligned,” alluding to Warner Bros.’s newfound interest in local films and Mentorque’s strategic decision to elevate its production portfolio.
Piolo Pascual, lead star of “Mallari,” hailed the collaboration as a privilege, emphasizing its recognition by an international brand like Warner Bros. Pascual sees the partnership as a testament to the exceptional quality of the film and a nod to the global appeal of Philippine storytelling.
Directed by Derick Cabrido and written by Enrico Santos, “Mallari” unfolds the chilling tale of Fr. Severino Mallari, recognized as the Philippines’ first and only documented serial killer. The film is set to be the most expensive entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for 2023, showcasing Mentorque Productions’ commitment to delivering an epic cinematic experience.
The collaboration between Mentorque Productions and Warner Bros. was officially sealed at the Chairman’s Lounge of Okada Manila, with a contract-signing ceremony attended by key industry figures, including director Derick Cabrido, screenwriter Enrico Santos, and the main cast.
Warner Bros.’s entrance into the mainstream Filipino film distribution market is seen as a strategic move with potential implications for the entire Philippine film industry. Piolo Pascual emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting its potential to open doors for Filipino filmmakers and enhance global recognition of Philippine cinema.
As “Mallari” sets the stage for Warner Bros.’s entry into mainstream Filipino cinema, industry insiders anticipate the impact of this partnership on future collaborations, distribution strategies, and opportunities for the local film industry. With the stars seemingly aligning for this groundbreaking venture, Warner Bros. and Mentorque Productions embark on a journey that could reshape the dynamics of film distribution in the Philippines and beyond.
