After five years of filming and crafting, Edjop is making its theatrical release on September 16 in cinemas nationwide. The independent feature landed a major studio distribution deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines.
Edjop is directed by Katski Flores and co-written with Jade Castro. It stars Kapamilya actors Elijah Canlas who plays the titular role and Jodi Sta. Maria, who will be portraying the role of Joyette Jopson, the eldest daughter of Edjop.
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“Both the film and how it was made are about what it costs to believe in something. Getting Edjop's story onto screens nationwide, at this scale, has been five years of fighting for exactly this moment. We couldn't have found a better champion than Warner Bros,” the film’s director expressed.
The distribution deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines marked a milestone for the independent film, which relied solely on private investors and donors.
“Edjop is exactly the kind of film that deserves to be experienced on the big screen. It's an extraordinary story of conviction, sacrifice, and humanity, told with remarkable cinematic ambition. We are excited to partner with the filmmakers in bringing this important work to audiences nationwide,” Rico Gonzales, Distribution Head for Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines shared.
Edjop is about the transformation of a young man from a student leader and youth activist to becoming one of the most galvanizing voices of resistance against authoritarian rule. It features the life of Edgar Jopson, a Filipino activist who was killed in 1982 at the height of Martial Law.
Joyette, the co-executive producer of the film, is hopeful that it will resonate with the younger generation.
"It's an uphill climb, but the summit we're reaching for will be worth it. We want this film to be seen by everyone, especially students and young people,” she asserted.
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Apart from Elijah and Jodi, the film also stars Kakie Pangilinan and Cedrick Juan, as well as theater luminaries Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo and Teroy Guzman. Edjop is produced by Open Water Productions and The Mad Goats Inc., in association with Narra Post Production Studios by WildSound.