MANILA, Philippines — The long-awaited independent biopic “EDJOP” has finally secured a path to the big screen. Chronicling the life of Edgar “Edjop” Jopson, the iconic student leader and Martial Law–era activist, the film is set to open in cinemas nationwide on September 16, 2026. This wide release comes courtesy of a major distribution deal with Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, marking a massive win for a project that spent half a decade in development.
Directed by Katski Flores and co-written with Jade Castro, the movie stars Elijah Canlas in the title role. Joining him is Jodi Sta. Maria, who portrays Edjop’s eldest daughter, Joyette Jopson. The narrative shuns standard historical formulas to focus on the intimate, human side of resistance, tracing how a young man evolved from a campus youth leader into a defining voice against authoritarian rule while exploring the heavy personal toll his convictions took on his family.
Securing a major studio distributor is a rare feat for a project of this nature. “EDJOP” was produced entirely outside the studio system by Open Water Productions and The Mad Goats Inc., in association with Narra Post Production Studios by WildSound. Without institutional grants or corporate backing, the filmmakers relied entirely on private donors and independent investors to keep the five-year production alive.
Director Katski Flores notes that the grueling process of making the movie mirrored the struggle of the story itself, calling the nationwide release the culmination of a five-year fight. She adds that the upcoming promotional campaign will honor Edjop’s legacy by utilizing the same organic, grassroots organizing tactics he used as a 1970s labor leader to connect directly with communities and student groups.
Joyette Jopson, who also serves as the film’s co-executive producer, remains hopeful that the biopic will bridge a generational gap. She describes the journey to theaters as an uphill climb but emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to get this history in front of today’s youth. The film’s ensemble cast also features Kakie Pangilinan, Cedrick Juan, and veteran theater actors Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo and Teroy Guzman.
“EDJOP” debuts in theaters across the Philippines on September 16, 2026. For updates and inquiries, the production can be reached at info@edjopthemovie.com or through their social media handles @edjopthemovie.