Annette Gozon-Valdes calls 'Amir' GMA Pictures' most ambitious film project in 20 years

GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes described “Amir” as GMA Pictures' most ambitious film project in the last 20 years.

In a podcast interview with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson and talent manager Noel Ferrer, Gozon-Valdes shared that they have been preparing for "Amir" since last year.

"Preparation started even since last year so production is really prepared, which is why we didn't really encounter any problems," she said in English and Filipino.

"This movie, it's much bigger than our first two entries. It's bigger than 'Firefly,' it's bigger than 'Green Bones.'"

"Firefly" and "Green Bones" both bagged the Best Picture awards at the MMFF 2023 and MMFF 2024, respectively.

“This is our most ambitious project in the last 20 years. It’s expensive. But, of course, we didn’t dwell on that, because we had to tell this story," she shared.

According to Gozon-Valdes, “Amir” took two years to develop. Filming officially started in April and continued as the team worked on bringing the project to life.

She also explained that joining the MMFF was a deliberate decision, as the network wanted the film to reach as many Filipino moviegoers as possible.

"We want to reach Filipinos, not because we want to make a profit, but because we have a story to tell. We really want to reach them and we have a story that is truly meaningful. They’ll have something to take home with them,” she said.

“Amir” is GMA Network’s film entry for MMFF 2026. It stars Dennis Trillo, Argus Aspiras, Caprice Cayetano, Glaiza De Castro, Will Ashley, and Ronnie Lazaro, among others.

"Amir" is written by National Artist Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay, the same team behind the acclaimed film "Green Bones."

It is a collaboration between GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment, the production company owned by Dennis and his wife Jennylyn Mercado.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News