After a brief hiatus from acting, Zanjoe Marudo is back — this time in a role that mirrors the real-life complexities many Filipinos face within their own homes.
In ‘How To Get Away From My Toxic Family,’ a family drama produced by OgieD Productions in partnership with KreativDen Entertainment, Marudo steps into a character whose story is as raw as it is relatable.
The film, slated to premiere in Philippine cinemas exclusively at SM starting July 30, was conceptualized by Ogie Diaz, who also serves as producer. “Our first choice is Z,” said Ogie, referring to Zanjoe. “If Z didn’t accept the role, we had no second choice. Everything — the look, the casting — was tailored for him.”
Luckily, Zanjoe didn’t hesitate. “Right when they presented the project to me, I said yes,” the actor shared. “I didn’t have to think about it. I know the story will affect many Filipinos. It’s a way to help open the conversation about toxic family culture here in the Philippines.”
Zanjoe describes the film as rooted in authenticity: “Ito ang pagbabalik ko sa pag-arte dahil nakita ko ‘yung pagka-totoo ng storya. It feels good to play a character that’s simple—about a family, just at home. No big scenes, just real-life conversations.”
The film also stars Susan Africa as his mother, Nonie Buencamino, Richard Quan, Leslie Lina, Juharra Asayo, and Keena Pineda. Zanjoe and Susan previously portrayed mother and son in ‘The Broken Marriage Vow’ (2022), but this time, their dynamic is far more tense. “We’re always in conflict here,” Zanjoe revealed.
Filmed in Tondo and Clark Airport, the shoot was intentionally grounded. “Masaya naming binuo itong pelikula. We needed to look like a real family. Thankfully, nobody was toxic on set — only the script was,” Zanjoe joked.
The film tackles the rarely discussed topic of toxic familial expectations, especially from the lens of Gen Z and millennials. “In the past, boomers and Gen X would stick with their families no matter the behavior. Ngayon, if you’ve had enough — leave,” said Ogie. “This film shines a light on mental health and personal boundaries — ideas we didn’t even talk about before.”
Zanjoe echoed this, saying, “Dealing with a toxic family is nothing new to me. I grew up surrounded by it, but I didn’t view it as negative. People should learn to set boundaries. And if helping your family starts to affect your own future, maybe it’s time to reassess.”
‘How To Get Away From My Toxic Family’ first premiered to overseas audiences, with screenings in Los Angeles, Dubai, Western Australia, Japan, and various U.S. cities including Houston, San Diego, and San Francisco. According to Ogie, the film especially resonates with OFWs and balikbayans. “Even when they’re abroad, they still carry the weight of family expectations back home,” he explained.
During the film’s June 17 media preview in Manila, Ogie and Zanjoe reflected on how far one should go for family. Ogie shared, “Hangga’t kaya ng puso mo, yakapin mo sila. Pero kapag hindi mo na kaya, magpaalam ka. Sabihin mo, ‘Ako muna. Ako naman.’”
Zanjoe added, “Kapag umaabot na sa puntong may tao ka ng naaapektuhan—like your own partner or child—maybe it’s time to make them your priority.”
While foreign blockbusters will be dominating screens in July, Ogie hopes Filipino audiences will make space for this homegrown film. “Alam natin na inuuna ng sinehan ang foreign films. But with enough support, we can still make this kind of film reach more people,” he said. “This isn’t just another movie — it reflects our realities.”
He urged viewers to watch the film without spoiling the ending. “Let’s not be afraid to offer something meaningful to our audiences. This is our way of making films that hold up a mirror to Filipino life.”
‘How To Get Away From My Toxic Family’ will screen nationwide beginning July 30 at SM Cinemas. It is a timely and touching reminder: family is everything — but knowing when to step away can be just as important.
