MANILA, Philippines — Philippine cinema reaches another milestone as GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment have officially teamed up with Columbia Pictures for the theatrical distribution of “Amir,” an official finalist at the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
Attending the contract signing on October 15 at the Columbia Pictures Philippine office were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon; Brightburn Entertainment Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Amir lead actor Dennis Trillo; Columbia Pictures Managing Director Christopher Sy; and Sales and Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga Manas.
Also gracing the event were Brightburn Entertainment Head of Business Development and Aguila Entertainment CEO Katrina Aguila; Dennis’ co-actor in Amir, child star Argus Aspiras; and the film’s creative team led by GMA Public Affairs Senior Assistant Vice President and writer of Amir Angeli Atienza, Amir Supervising Producer and GMA Public Affairs Senior Manager Joseph Conrad Rubio, Line Producer John Gary Candelaria, Concept Creator Ian Simbulan, and Creative Producer Christian Julao.
The executive leadership and creative ensemble behind the fantasy-drama film gathered at the Columbia Pictures Philippines headquarters on October 15 to seal the partnership. Representing GMA were Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes (SVP for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President & CEO of GMA Films) and Nessa Valdellon (EVP of GMA Pictures and SVP of GMA Public Affairs). Signing on behalf of Columbia Pictures were Managing Director Christopher Sy and Sales & Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga Manas. Brightburn Entertainment CEO and lead actor Dennis Trillo was also in attendance alongside Katrina Aguila, Head of Business Development at Brightburn and CEO of Aguila Entertainment.
Coming off major success with international box-office hits like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Insidious: Out of the Further,” Columbia Pictures is adding the heavily anticipated Filipino title to its slate following strong online buzz generated by its initial teaser.
“It has always been our privilege to work with partners like GMA Pictures,” said Christopher Sy, referencing previous distribution successes with “Green Bones” and “Gabi ng Lagim.” “It’s always about the content, and we really appreciate the chance to represent ‘Amir’ in this upcoming MMFF.”
GMA’s Gozon-Valdes echoed the enthusiasm, describing the project as GMA’s “grandest movie to date.” Lead star Dennis Trillo also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Columbia Pictures for supporting the film, calling it one of GMA Pictures’ most promising releases this year.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zig Dulay and co-written by National Artist Ricky Lee alongside Angeli Atienza, “Amir” centers on child actor Argus Aspiras in the title role. The stellar ensemble cast includes Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, Caprice Cayetano, Epy Quizon, Joel Saracho, Ronnie Lazaro, Laila Ulao, and Mon Confiado, among others.