Singer and theater actress Aicelle Santos is appealing to viewers to support her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, ‘Isang Himala’, which is facing limited screening opportunities despite receiving positive reviews.
On her social media platforms, Santos shared a list of the 24 cinemas nationwide that are currently showing the film as of December 26. She encouraged audiences to prioritize watching it before it disappears from theaters.
“Ngunit sadyang kakaunti lang ang sinehan na nagpapalabas sa amin. Kaya bago pa mawala, unahin niyo nang panoorin ang ISANG HIMALA,” she wrote, promising a film that will touch hearts and leave viewers deeply moved.
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‘Isang Himala’ premiered on Christmas Day with an initial run in 32 cinemas. However, director Pepe Diokno revealed via X (formerly Twitter) before its release that the movie was booked in fewer theaters due to its genre and the absence of mainstream box-office stars.
“Hope you can still give our film a chance, and if you like it, your support will help convince more cinemas to screen us,” Diokno wrote.
Hi everyone, been told that “Isang Himala” has only 31 cinemas so far (bec of the “genre”, lack of “box office stars”). Hope you can still give our film a chance, and if you like it, your support will help convince more cinemas to screen us. Pls pre-book your tickets here: pic.twitter.com/oYnsUvxX5W
— Jose Lorenzo Diokno (@PepeDiokno) December 19, 2024
The film is a musical adaptation of the iconic 1982 movie ‘Himala’, directed by Ishmael Bernal and written by National Artist Ricky Lee. Santos reprises her role as Elsa, a character she first portrayed in the stage adaptation Himala: Isang Musikal in 2018. Elsa, a young woman from the impoverished town of Cupang, claims to see an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Her newfound status as a healer and spiritual figure draws both followers and controversy to their small town.
The MMFF entry brings together a star-studded ensemble cast, including Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Victor Robinson III, Sweet Plantado, and Kakki Teodoro. Its script was co-written by Lee and Diokno, with music and lyrics by renowned composer Vince De Jesus.
While the film has struggled to secure ample screen time, Santos remains hopeful that Filipinos will recognize the importance of this artistic endeavor. She described the film as a feast for the soul, ears, eyes, and heart.
