Dennis Trillo’s ‘Amir’ gets Columbia Pictures backing ahead of MMFF

A fantasy-drama with a viral teaser and a place among this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) finalists is getting a wider push, as Columbia Pictures joins GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs and Brightburn Entertainment to distribute Amir.

The partnership was formalized during a contract signing on 15 October at the Columbia Pictures Philippines office in Manila, bringing together executives, the film’s creative team and cast members ahead of the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival.

For the production team, the deal marks another collaboration with a distributor that has previously worked with GMA Pictures on films including Green Bones and Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie.

Columbia Pictures managing director Christopher Sy said the company’s decision to distribute Amir reflects its confidence in the people behind the film and the strength of its story.

“We’ve really had a lot of success with Green Bones and Gabi ng Lagim. And we always say it’s not about luck, it’s not about us; it’s really from the creative minds that put work on these pictures,” Sy said. “It’s always about the content, and we really appreciate the chance to represent ‘Amir’ in this upcoming MMFF.”

GMA Pictures president and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes also welcomed the renewed partnership, describing Amir as the company’s most ambitious film to date.

“We’ve been entrusting our jewels to Columbia for these past years,” she said. “We’re very excited for this movie because I think this will be our grandest movie to date. We hope again for the blessings of God for this movie.”

Trillo, who leads the film and serves as Brightburn Entertainment’s chief executive officer, thanked Columbia Pictures for taking on the project. He said the team was excited to bring the film to audiences through the partnership.

The deal comes as Amir builds anticipation for its MMFF run. Its teaser has already drawn attention online, giving audiences an early look at the fantasy-drama and adding to interest in the film ahead of the festival.

Directed by Zig Dulay, Amir features a screenplay by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and GMA Public Affairs senior assistant vice president Angeli Atienza. The film’s creative team also includes Supervising Producer Joseph Conrad Rubio, Line Producer John Gary Candelaria, Concept Creator Ian Simbulan and Creative Producer Christian Julao.

Young actor Argus Aspiras plays the titular Amir. The ensemble cast includes Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, Caprice Cayetano, Epy Quizon, Joel Saracho, Ronnie Lazaro, Laila Ulao, Heath Jornales, Yasser Marta, Mad Ramos, Ethan Hariot, Hebron Ecal and Mon Confiado.

GMA Pictures executive vice president and GMA Public Affairs senior vice president Nessa Valdellon joined Gozon-Valdes at the signing. Columbia Pictures was represented by Sy and Sales and Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga Manas. Brightburn Entertainment Head of Business Development Katrina Aguila, who also heads Aguila Entertainment, was also present.