MANILA, Philippines — EDJOP, the feature film about Filipino student activist Edgar Jopson, has been officially selected to compete in the Asian Future section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), bringing the story of a Filipino activist and a defining chapter in Philippine history to an international audience.
Director and co-executive producer Katski Flores, together with lead stars Elijah Canlas and Jodi Sta. Maria, are confirmed to attend the festival’s opening on October 26 and the film’s international premiere on October 27, 2026.
Produced by Open Water Productions and The Mad Goats Inc., in association with Narra by WildSound, EDJOP recently concluded its nationwide theatrical release through Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. Its TIFF selection marks the beginning of an international festival run as the filmmakers pursue distribution opportunities that will bring the film to Filipino audiences worldwide.
“Our goal is to bring EDJOP to as many Filipinos as possible, globally, whether through distribution partnerships in other territories or privately organized community screenings. We’re open to exploring every avenue that will allow the film to reach its audience,” says Flores.
Five years in the making, the biopic is an wholly independent production created without studio or network backing. The EDJOP team is also a recipient of the International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP) grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), supporting the film’s participation in the international festival circuit.
The film’s selection in TIFF’s Asian Future competition marks a significant milestone for the production, opening opportunities to introduce Edgar Jopson’s story to audiences beyond the Philippines and connect with potential international distribution partners.
For the filmmakers and cast, the Tokyo screenings offer an opportunity to share a distinctly Filipino story on an international platform and bring renewed attention to the life and legacy of a man who stood by his principles at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
SCREENING INFORMATION
39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)
Official Selection — Asian Future Competition
International Premiere
TOKYO IFF, Japan
TOHO CINEMAS Chanter Screen 2
October 27 – 140pm
October 29 – 450pm
Tickets go on sale October 17.
LINK FOR DETAILS:
https://2026.tiff-jp.net/en/ticket/faq.html