GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment have partnered with Columbia Pictures for the distribution of Amir, an upcoming fantasy-drama film selected as a finalist in the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Executives from the companies, together with the film’s creative team and cast members, gathered for the contract signing at the Columbia Pictures Philippines office on October 15.
Representing GMA were Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and GMA Films President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, alongside GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon. Signing for Columbia Pictures were Managing Director Christopher Sy and Sales and Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga Manas.
Also present were Brightburn Entertainment CEO and Amir lead star Dennis Trillo and Head of Business Development Katrina Aguila, who also serves as CEO of Aguila Entertainment.
The partnership marks another collaboration between GMA Pictures and Columbia Pictures, which previously worked together on films such as Green Bones and KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie. Columbia Pictures is set to distribute Amir as part of its lineup of theatrical releases, following the film’s teaser generating interest online.
“It [has]always been our privilege to work with such team partners as GMA Pictures,” said Sy. “We’ve really had a lot of success with ‘Green Bones’ and ‘Gabi ng Lagim.’ And we always say it’s not about luck, it’s not about us; it’s really from the creative minds that put work on these pictures. And it’s always about the content, and we really appreciate the chance to represent ‘Amir’ in this upcoming MMFF.”
Gozon-Valdes also expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration and the film’s upcoming release.
“We’ve been entrusting our jewels to Columbia for these past years,” she shared. “We’re very excited for this movie because I think this will be our grandest movie to date. We hope again for the blessings of God for this movie.”
Trillo thanked Columbia Pictures for supporting the project and expressed his excitement about bringing the film to audiences.
“Maraming salamat sa Columbia Pictures sa pag-appreciate ng aming pelikula. Ito na yata ang pinakamagandang time na i-represent nila, and sobrang excited kami dahil, katulad ng sinabi nila, parang ito na yata ang isa sa pinakamagandang offerings ng GMA Pictures ngayong taon,” he said.
The contract signing was also attended by members of the film’s creative team, including GMA Public Affairs Senior Assistant Vice President and writer Angeli Atienza, Supervising Producer Joseph Conrad Rubio, Line Producer John Gary Candelaria, Concept Creator Ian Simbulan, and Creative Producer Christian Julao. Young actor Argus Aspiras, who portrays Amir, was also present.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zig Dulay, Amir features a screenplay by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and Atienza. Its ensemble cast includes Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, Caprice Cayetano, Epy Quizon, Joel Saracho, Ronnie Lazaro, Laila Ulao, Heath Jornales, Yasser Marta, Mad Ramos, Ethan Hariot, Hebron Ecal, and Mon Confiado.
Columbia Pictures, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has distributed numerous international blockbusters in the Philippines. Meanwhile, GMA Pictures continues to produce Filipino films for local and international audiences, with titles including the back-to-back MMFF Best Picture winners Firefly and Green Bones, the box-office hit KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie, the psychological horror film P77, and the animated documentary 58th.
With its distribution partnership in place, Amir joins the lineup of films competing for audience attention at the 52nd MMFF, bringing together the creative forces of GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Brightburn Entertainment, and Columbia Pictures.
