Philippine film paves ‘Road’ to Hollywood via horror thriller
Barbie Forteza in ‘The Road’. Press photos
A horror thriller will be screened in the U.S. and Canada this May, paving the way for a Philippine-made film to enjoy a commercial release in North America.
GMA Films, through a distribution agreement with Hollywood-based Freestyle Releasing, will screen “The Road” in mainstream American and Canadian markets beginning May 11.
“The Road” revisits a cold case when three teenagers go missing while passing through an abandoned and mysterious road. As investigators search for the teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that includes a dark history of abduction, crimes and murders. Lingering in the desolate pathway is a vengeful ghost who makes sure no one leaves the road — alive!
The ensemble cast includes Rhian Ramos, Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, TJ Trinidad, Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Louise delos Reyes, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Ynna Asistio and Renz Valerio, John Regala, Lloyd Samartino, Gerald Madrid, Allan Paule and Jacklyn Jose.
The movie, directed by Yam Laranas, will be shown in more than 50 theaters across North America. “The Road” will also hold a red-carpet premiere in Los Angeles on May 9.
“I think this is the first time that a locally-produced Filipino film will be distributed commercially by an international releasing outfit in the U.S. and Canada, and treated like a Hollywood-produced movie,” said GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar. “This is not simply a special offshore screening of a locally-produced film; this is a full-fledged commercial distribution deal, and there’s a big difference between the two.”
“We are honored to have the opportunity to exhibit the ingenuity and creativity of our artists and directors in the international market. It’s about time we show the world that we, Filipinos, are not only good in boxing or singing, we can also excel in the field of movie-making,” said GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.
Laranas said he is excited about the “pioneering” development for “The Road.”
“This only proves that quality entertainment of international standard is of high importance to the network,” he said.
The film’s U.S. release is co-presented by GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV. GMA Films is the movie production arm of Philippine media giant GMA Network, Inc.
Carmina Villarroel
Definitely great news. Looking forward to seeing it if and when it gets to a theater nearby. It does not matter that I’m not a big fan of the crime and abduction movie genre. Proud to see a good Filipino movie nonetheless.