The Road to Hollywood: History in the making for Philippine movies

After freaking the hell out of moviegoers in the Philippines with its unique but effectively haunting storyline and superb cinematography, GMA Films’ 2011 thriller movie The Road will pave the way to Hollywood fame as it becomes the first ever all-Filipino film to be commercially released in North America and Canada this May. Through an international distribution agreement with GMA Films, Hollywood-based international film distribution outfit Freestyle Releasing will commercially release The Road in the mainstream American and Canadian markets beginning May 11, 2012. The movie, a brainchild of internationally-acclaimed film director Yam Laranas, will be shown in over 50 theaters across North America and Canada. And just like any Hollywood movie, The Road will also hold a glitzy premiere night at the Mann Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California on May 9. The event will be graced by the film’s producers, cast, Laranas as well as prominent celebrities in Hollywood and the international film industry. “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. This is not simply a special off-shore screening of a locally-produced film; this is in fact a full-fledged commercial distribution deal, and there’s a big difference between the two," said GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar. “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 that we show the world that we, Filipinos, are not only good in boxing or singing, but we can also excel in the field of movie-making. The release of The Road in the U.S. and Canada is good news not just for GMA Films but also for the Philippine film industry because this would inspire especially our new generation of directors, writers, cinematographers and artists to perfect their skills and aspire for greater heights," said GMA Chairman and CEO Atty Felipe L. Gozon. Laranas also expressed his happiness on the outcome of his film. “I am very excited for GMA in this history-making and pioneering development for The Road. This opens a ton of possibilities on the international arena not just for GMA Films or GMA Network but also for GMA Pinoy TV. This only proves the quality entertainment of international standards is highly-important to the network," he said. Described by international film critics as “creepy to the extreme" (KillerFilm.com) and a “beautifully shot supernatural tale with incredible effects and great scares" (Bloody Disgusting), The Road is a story about a twelve-year-old cold case, which was recently reopened when three teenagers went missing while traversing an infamous and abandoned road. As investigators try to find leads to the whereabouts of the missing teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that spans two decades – a history of abduction, crimes and murders. Although the road is isolated, anyone who tries to pass through it can be sure that he is not alone. Lingering in the dark and desolate pathway is a vengeful ghost who makes sure no one leaves the road – alive! The movie stars Rhian Ramos, Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, TJ Trinidad, tween stars Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Louise delos Reyes, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Ynna Asistio and Renz Valerio. Also starring in the film are John Regala, Lloyd Samartino, Gerald Madrid, Allan Paule and Ms Jacklyn Jose. The Road will also be simultaneously released in digital home video format (DVD) and will be made available globally via subscription-based and online distribution platforms including Video-on-Demand (VoD), Amazon Prime, Netflix, and iTunes. GMA Films is the movie production arm of media giant GMA Network, Inc. -- GMA News.TV