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The film Balota, which is co-produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group with Cinemalaya, is making its way to Netflix this January.

Directed by Kip Oebanda, the suspense-comedy-satire film made its debut at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2024.

In August 2024, Balota emerged as one of the top box-office hits of Cinemalaya Bente and the film's lead actress, Marian Rivera, is one of the recipients of the Best Actress award of Cinemalaya 2024.

Related gallery: Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress Marian Rivera is full of gratitude

In October, the new cut of Balota was shown in cinemas nationwide. In an interview with Marian, she shared that Balota had a huge impact on her and gave her a different kind of fulfillment.

"Sabi ko nga, ang hirap ikumpara 'yung mga nagawa kong pelikula pero isa siguro si Balota na masasabi ko na, noong ginawa ko siya, 'yung fulfillment na naramdaman ko noong ginagawa ko siya, at noong natapos ko siya, at noong pinanood ko na siya sa sinehan, iba pa rin 'yung fulfillment na nakuha ko doon, na parang sinabi ko, 'Ay, puwede palang ganito.'

“Masarap gumawa ng isang proyekto na kapag gumagawa ka, buong-buo 'yung loob mo at alam mong may mako-contribute ka din sa mga manonood. Parang ngayon, na-realize ko na sa bawat gagawin ko siguro, gusto ko talaga na kapag nanonood 'yung mga tao sa akin, may nako-contribute ako sa buhay nila habang pinapanood nila,” she said.

Balota tells the story of a land-grabbing tycoon and a former male sexy actor who is locked in a tight race for the mayoral seat of a small town.

Emmy (Marian Rivera), a teacher who serves in the elections, runs into the wilderness to protect a ballot box, containing the last copy of the election results, when violence erupts in their town.

Joining Marian in Balota are Gardo Versoza, Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, and Mae Paner.