ABS-CBN, the world’s premiere and largest Filipino entertainment company, brings Filipino content to an international audience with a premiere screening of a new drama series, “Cattleya Killer,” at this year’s MIPCOM Cannes. The company will present the pilot of the six-part series to industry decision makers, in anticipation of securing a global distribution partner.
“Cattleya Killer” follows the intriguing investigation of a slew of cryptic murders by a copycat of an infamous serial killer who terrorized Manila two decades ago. The son of the cop who cracked this legendary case becomes the prime suspect when past traumas and long-buried secrets are brought to light. This project is filmed in Filipino with English subtitles and overdubs.
The series is headlined by Asian Academy Creative Awards 2020 Best Actor, Arjo Atayde, executive produced by Ruel S. Bayani, and directed by Dan Villegas. Bayani, who serves as ABS-CBN International Production Division head is responsible for some of the biggest movie and television hits in the Philippines. He spearheads this incredible milestone for Philippine entertainment as this marks the first time a Filipino production will screen at MIPCOM, the largest content market in the world.
“It is our vision that Filipino content will be known as innovative, compelling, and meaningful; and that as we become an integral part of the beautiful tapestry of global storytellers, we will find our permanent place in the hearts of the international audience,” says Bayani.
“Cattleya Killer” was filmed in part of the 2021 Full Circle Series Lab, a Southeast Asian talent development initiative by the Film Development Council and French film company Tatino Films, with creative development guided by International mentors from South Africa, Israel, and Germany. The series also stars Jake Cuenca, Christopher De Leon, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.
ABS-CBN’s track record as a storyteller and content creator has been the main draw of the media company as a partner in international co-productions, as seen in its growing slate of global titles. The company has been a pioneer and leader in globalizing Filipino content.
Recently, ABS-CBN co-produced Diane Paragas’ feature film “Yellow Rose,” which was acquired by Sony Pictures and was the first Filipino film to have wide theatrical release. Other ABS-CBN international co-productions include “Concepcion,” a crime family series centering on a Filipino kingpin in Los Angeles, and “Sellblock,” a New Bilibid Prison-set drama that involves an American agent, were both announced earlier this year.
The premiere screening of “Cattleya Killer” will happen on Wednesday, October 19th, at 10:45am in Auditorium A. Atayde and Bayani will be in attendance.
