Now on its third week, more cinema-goers are getting hooked on Balota’s eye-opening story as it shines a light on the dedication of teachers to future generations and their role in safeguarding the public’s votes during elections.
On Sunday alone, the film starring Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera had multiple sold out screenings nationwide. In her recent interview Rivera shared how thankful and overwhelmed she is with the support the film has been receiving. “Lubos na pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumuporta at nanunood at manunood pa ng ‘Balota.’ May pag-asa pa sila kasi ang alam ko mag-t-third week ang ‘Balota,’ the actress said.
The majority of Balota’s audience are teachers and students, and the film is now being used in the classroom as a springboard to discuss good citizenship, democracy, and elections. The team behind the film has been receiving messages from teachers and learning groups expressing how inspired they are that the film recognizes the dignity and sacrifice of their profession.
The Kapuso actress even mentioned that most of the comments that the film is receiving is about its bravery to touch a sensitive yet timely topic. “Siguro ‘yung sinasabi nila na’ yung pelikula ay ang tapang para ihatid ‘yung mensahe na gusto naming ipahatid sa kanila. Ang maganda niyan, habang nanonood sila, may realization sila na, ‘Ah, ganito pala talaga,’ so parang dahil sa ‘Balotang’ ito, parang pag-iisipan nila kung paano sila boboto nang tama at dapat.”
Netizens and cinema-goers consistently cheer loudly at the end of the film in all screenings as they feel fear, laughter, excitement, and inspiration. Balota hopes that this exciting cinema experience will remind people of the magic of watching films in theaters. It’s a different feeling, and Filipino films are capable of delivering it.
With word of mouth and the power of posting their feedback on the performances of the whole cast, especially Marian’s award-winning portrayal as Teacher Emmy, Balota reached a wider audience than expected. Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes shared “Nakikita natin na palakas nang palakas and I think it’s because napapag-usapan siya, na-k-kwento na isa itong pelikulang dapat panuorin kasi may mensahe talaga itong hindi dapat palampasin ng mga tao.”
With the immense audience appreciation for the performances of Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Sue Prado, and the villainous performances from Joel Saracho and Nico Antonio, Balota hopes to reach more audiences in the coming weeks.
Sparkle artist Will Ashley–who plays the role of Enzo, Teacher Emmy’s son– shared in an interview that he is proud to be part of the advocacy of this film. “Personally, sobrang natutuwa po ako and sobrang nakakaproud na naging parte ako ng ‘Balota’ kasi sa pinagdaanan namin, sobrang naging worth it lahat ng pagod, kasi na-appreciate ng mga tao”.
Balota, written and directed by Kip Oebanda and produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group, is having additional screenings this week in cinemas nationwide. Students and teachers also have a special rate in select cinemas. For more news and updates on the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.
