A youth-led forum brings the filmmakers behind the highly anticipated biopic of 70s activist Edgar “Edjop” Jopson to students across the country ahead of its September 16 theatrical release.
The release of the “Edjop” full trailer recently revealed an impressive ensemble of Philippine film, television, and theater talent — led by internationally acclaimed actress Jodi Sta. Maria, Elijah Canlas in the title role, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Kakie Pangilinan in her acting debut, Cedrick Juan, Teroy Guzman, Gab Pangilinan, Issa Litton and more.
Rather than a standard press tour, the youth-led Campus Conversations program is designed as a genuine dialogue. Students will see never-before-shared footage and hear firsthand from director and co-writer Katski Flores and cast members about the making of the film, then turn the conversation toward their own campus, their own history, and their own stake in the questions Edjop raises about complicity, conscience, and courage under pressure.
Thus, the film is going back to where Edjop’s story began: the campus. At the end of August, the team will kick off the Edjop Campus Conversations, which will bring the makers of the film to universities across the country to have a conversation with students about Edjop, his generation, and the questions that remain relevant today.
The confirmed stops as of this writing are:
• August 26 — Southwestern University PHINMA, Cebu
• August 27 — Ateneo de Zamboanga University
• September 1 — University of the Philippines Diliman
• September 2 — University of Santo Tomas, 1 PM
• September 2 — Far Eastern University Manila, 4:30 PM
• September 4 — Ateneo de Manila University
• September 11 — Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro
More campus conversations may be added to the tour.
The idea behind the initiative comes directly from the life of Edjop himself. One of the most prominent student leaders of his generation and former president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, Edjop was known for going directly to the people he needed to speak with—from students and workers to those in positions of power. His approach was simple: go directly to the people – make your case, listen, engage.
For Flores, who is leading the film’s DIY grassroots promotional campaign, that became the playbook.
“From the beginning, this was the goal. We call this series the linchpin of the campaign. We wanted to do something that aligned with our vision and the reason we made ‘Edjop’ in the first place. This felt very Edjop. I think this is how he would have campaigned for it himself.”
So the filmmakers are going directly to the youth. “Kaya didirecho na rin kami sa inyo, dear Kabataan. Galawang Edjop,” Flores reiterated.
To clarify, the Edjop Campus Conversations is not a campus screening tour. Instead, it is an opportunity for students to engage directly with the people who made the film—to ask questions, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations about Edjop’s story and what it might mean to young Filipinos today. The aim is simple: to bring the film directly to its most prized audience—the Filipino youth—and build a meaningful connection with them before they see it in cinemas.
The filmmakers hope that these conversations will encourage students to discover “Edjop” when it opens nationwide on September 16.
At the heart of the conversations is the same question that has driven the film’s youth campaign. As Flores declared, “Ano pangarap mo para sa sarili mo? At ano pangarap mo para sa Pilipinas?”
Because “Edjop” isn’t simply a story about the past. It is a story about young people, hope, courage and the choice to care about what happens next. “Kayo ang number one inspiration ng pelikulang ito,” says Flores of the youth. “Pupuntahan namin kayo para ikuwento ang buhay ng isang estudyanteng piniling makialam, tumayo at hindi sumuko. Higit sa lahat, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa.”
Directed by Katski Flores and starring Elijah Canlas as Edgar Jopson and Jodi Sta. Maria as Joyette Jopson, EDJOP opens nationwide in Philippine cinemas on September 16, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines.
For Campus Conversations schedules and updates, follow @edjopthemovie and visitwww.edjopthemovie.com.
