US-based Fil-Am lawyer set to produce a TV series inspired by his immigrant father’s American dream
Filipino-American lawyer Gerard Pizarro based in the United States has embarked on an exciting new project titled “Mt. Samat,” a limited television series. After practicing law for two decades and managing research and development projects for various universities and U.S. government agencies, Gerard realized his true passion lay in filmmaking.
In pursuit of his dream, Gerard enrolled in the San Francisco Film School in 2010, where he honed his filmmaking skills. His debut short film, “Emancipatus Emma,” was selected as an official entry at the 2012 Manhattan Film Festival. In 2012, he achieved recognition when the film “Blood on Canvas,” for which he served as producer, director, and writer, won the Best Feature at the Domestic & International Michigan Film Awards.
Gerard’s inspiration for “Mt. Samat” stems from his father, Tony, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1959. The story of the series unfolds in Orion, Bataan, in 1941, a time when the Japanese invaded the Philippines, a period both of Gerard’s parents experienced as children. During these tumultuous times, a story of success began. Harrowing revelations about the experience will add compelling layers to the narrative.
Filipino and Asian representation
Gerard and his team are proud to contribute to the growing representation of Asians in the American entertainment scene. In particular, they wish to share the resilience of Filipinos then and now amid adversity. It is also one of their goals to break stereotypes and showcase what our fellow kababayans have to offer. While we continue to shine as medical practitioners like nurses and caregivers in the US, it is the production team’s goal to put the spotlight on other professions and fields where Filipinos can also largely contribute. The Philippines’ colorful history and rich culture, according to Gerard’s sister Wendy, also a US-based lawyer, will also be highlighted.
Eyeing an A-lister
While Gerard remains tight-lipped about the A-list actor he has in mind to portray his father in the series, negotiations are still ongoing.
The official book launch of “The Man Behind the Uniform” and the unveiling of Pizarro Creative, the production company behind “Mt. Samat,” is scheduled for October 28, 2023, at the Pizarro Estate in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The film’s scenes will be shot in Bataan, leading Gerard and his production crew to return to the Philippines for the project.
