Glaiza de Castro to star in MMFF 2026 fantasy-drama entry 'Amir'
July 10 2026
Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro expressed her excitement for her highly anticipated new film, Amir, which serves as the Kapuso network's official entry to this year’s 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival.
Fresh off her acclaimed performance in the animated documentary 58th, which garnered widespread international recognition, Glaiza is set to pivot to the fantasy-drama genre.
In an exclusive interview with 24 Oras’ Chika Minute, the actress shared her enthusiasm for the role, noting how vastly different it is from her previous project.
She explained that while 58th carried the heavy weight of a tragic real-world event, exploring the harrowing story of the Maguindanao massacre; their MMFF 2026 entry offers a complete shift, inviting audiences to explore a world of fantasy through the eyes of the titular character, Amir.
“I think coming from 58th din na parang it’s a very tragic story but we always need to be reminded of what happened sa history,” Glaiza said.
“So ito naman, very exciting kasi fantasy. So medyo mabigat pero galing ‘to sa point of view ni Amir,” she added.
Meanwhile, GMA Films President and GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes expressed her anticipation for the latest creative reunion of director Zig Dulay and screenwriters Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza.
“Nakakatuwa kasi babalik tayo sa MMFF with another Zig Dulay, Ricky Lee, Anj Atienza tandems. We’re very excited kasi Dennis Trillo ulit,” Atty. Annette expressed.
She admitted to feeling some pressure, especially given the high expectations surrounding the Kapuso network’s past MMFF entries.
This comes on the heels of GMA’s consecutive successes in recent Metro Manila Film Festivals, headlined by acclaimed offerings like Firefly in 2023 and Green Bones in 2024.
Notwithstanding the pressure, she shared that they are optimistic that this year’s offering from GMA Pictures will carry profound meaning and successfully live up to the public’s expectations.
“Medyo nakakakaba kasi galing tayo sa Firefly and then Green Bones so ‘yung ine-expect talaga ng tao 'yung quality na ibibigay natin this year ay napakaganda,” she said.
“I’m really hoping na this is it, this movie will satisfy the expectations of everyone,” she added.
Amir was officially unveiled last Tuesday, July 7, alongside three other prominent entries: Viva Films’ 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7, Regal Films’ Haunted Carnival, and Star Cinema’s The Greatest Showdown.
Joining Glaiza de Castro in the star-studded lineup are Dennis Trillo, Will Ashley, and child actor Argus Aspiras, who takes on the titular role of Amir.
Directing the film is acclaimed filmmaker Zig Dulay, continuing his impressive MMFF track record following Firefly and Green Bones.
Bringing the narrative to life is a screenplay penned by the powerhouse duo of legendary screenwriter Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, crafted from a story by Ian Simbulan.
The highly anticipated film is a joint production of GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment.
Related Gallery: Dennis Trillo, ‘Green Bones,’ other winners at Gawad Urian 2025
Scroll to top 
Comments
comments powered by Disqus