“Mallari” is set to create cinematic history as the first Filipino movie to meet Warner Bros.’ stringent standards. As the film gears up for its Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 release on December 25, Mentorque Productions, in collaboration with Cleverminds Incorporated, initiated its month-long celebration with a media conference and fan meet last Friday, December 1, at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The event, graced by John Bryan Diamante, the president of Mentorque Productions, and the main cast, including Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador, JC Santos, Gloria Diaz, Ron Angeles, and Tommy Alejandrino, set the stage for the spectacular MMFF 2023 debut of “Mallari.”
“Mallari” unfolds a partly fictional, partly true-to-life account inspired by Severino Mallari, a 19th-century parish priest who became the first recorded Filipino serial killer. Directed by Derick Cabrido, the film features Piolo playing three characters across different timelines, seamlessly blending retro horror with contemporary relatability.
During the media conference, Cabrido shared his insights on what “Mallari” presents to viewers, emphasizing that it transcends the typical horror genre. He highlighted the emotional depth of the film and its social commentary, stating, “Malaking factor ‘yung emotion. I think it’s one of the reasons kung bakit sya nasa trailer – [the line] ‘Di ba sumpa ang magmahal? – kung bakit nya sinabi ‘yun. ‘Yun ang inenject namin [sa story]. Usually pag horror, expected mo matatakot ka, expected mo may story na susundan. Pinasok namin ‘yun, may susundan naman talagang kwento na hindi lang siya nakakatakot. At the same time, kaya sinasabing mahirap ‘yang script ang pag marry ng social commentary para hindi ka lang matatakot, meron ka mapupulot pag labas mo. This is something that could happen to you – in all levels at different levels nga lang.”
Mentorque Productions officially solidified its partnership with Warner Bros. on November 25, making “Mallari” the first mainstream film distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines. This significant collaboration marks a turning point in Philippine cinema, opening doors for more groundbreaking projects and opportunities.
At the contract signing between Warner Bros. and Mentorque at Okada, Diamante, the president of Mentorque Productions, expressed gratitude for “Mallari” being chosen as one of the 10 official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Diamante proudly announced the film’s achievement in meeting Warner Bros. standards, stating, “May this partnership be a gateway to more collaborations and give more opportunities to the industry.” He thanked Rico Gonzales of Warner Bros., expressing excitement for the journey from Valak to Mallari.
As Diamante addressed the challenges faced by the local film industry, he emphasized Mentorque’s commitment to being concept-driven. He invited everyone to experience “Mallari” as a film not only representing Filipino talent but also setting new standards for Philippine cinema.
