FDCP produces movie musical on OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in association with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Viva Films, and supported by Manila Broadcasting Company, presents Emir, an original full-length movie musical on OFWs by award-winning director Chito S. Roño.

Emir is the first ever film production of the FDCP and the second for the CCP, which has produced the film Hari sa Hari and the TV series Noli Me Tangere.

Emir is a story of a young Filipina, who becomes a nanny in a royal household in a fictional emirate in the Middle East. As a loving yaya, Amelia forms a powerful bond with her ward, influencing and molding a prince who will someday become King.

Commenting on the film, FDCP chairman and Emir executive producer Rolando S. Atienza said that he hopes the film lives up to its vision of paying tribute to the Filipino OFWs. “As we experience the story of Emir unfold, he said, let us be proud of our contributions to the world through our OFWs, and be proud that today, more than ever, the dream of a world class film industry is becoming a reality.”

Nestor O. Jardin, Emir co-executive producer and former president of the CCP, said that Emir is a dream project for him. “First and foremost, the material is good and the musical genre is something we at the CCP are comfortable with. We are also thrilled to have an outstanding artistic team led by Chito S. Roño. Having been involved in the development and promotion of Philippine independent cinema through Cinemalaya, CCP and the FDCP, I am glad that my first involvement in film production is through Emir. I am sure it will be a landmark film.”

Employing the musical genre, Emir sets itself apart from the usual Filipino movies being produced at the present. It boasts an immensely talented cast, including new ones such as newcomer Frencheska Farr, winner of the Who Will be the Next Big Star, who plays the lead role of Amelia. Emir features an ensemble of theater, film and television luminaries such as Dulce, Julia Clarete, Bayang Barrios, Sid Lucero, Gigi Escalante, Liesl Batucan, Kalila Aguilos, Beverly Salviejo, Melanie Dujungco, Bodjie Pascua and Jhong Hilario.

The film also features the magnificent landscapes and scenery of Morocco, where it was mostly shot, and that of Ifugao and Ilocos Norte provinces in the Philippines.

Based on a script by Palanca awardee Jerry Gracio, Emir is a unique and ambitious project featuring original music and lyrics by Gary Granada, Vin and Ebe Dancel and Diwa de Leon with Maestro Chino Toledo conducting the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Neil Daza as cinematographer, Douglas Nierras directing choreography and Digo Ricio as production designer.

Digna H. Santiago, who is among the producers of Emir, said that it was both an honor and a privilege to gather together all the best and the brightest of Philippine cinema, theatre, and music in one ambitious project under the guidance of executive producers Rolando S. Atienza and Nestor O. Jardin. She expressed the hope that Emir will spawn a new generation of quality feature films and that will inspire Filipinos to dream and live to the fullest.

Emir opens on June 2 at various commercial theaters.