VIVA Films recently launched 2020 Vision, announcing their plan to release at least 34 films this year.
It is considered a bold leap by many considering how most of their competitors couldn’t even manage half of the same – and understandably so, given the volatile nature of the local box-office.
But 2019 was a banner year for Viva.
Producing 19 films most of which hit it big or lauded by critics, including “Maria” (the first Filipino Netflix film), “Ulan” (a surreal romance), “Just a Stranger” (a May-December Affair), “Sanggano, Sanggago and Sanggwapo,” (throwback comedy), “Jowable,” (an adaptation of a hit novel), “Unforgettable,” “Adan” (sexy thriller), “Mananita” (character study) and the Metro Manila Film Festival blockbuster “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” the company believes Filipino viewers are now ready for more experimental and daring content.
Said Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, “Based on our success last year, it is obvious the taste of the Filipino viewer is changing. They want diversity. They are ready for far more stimulating entertainment. We are more than ready to give them that this year, and more.”
Viva vows to deliver on this promise to the tune of P1 billion.
“This is proof of Viva Film’s confidence in Philippine Cinema,” said del Rosario. “Crafting films is not easy or inexpensive, more so if you put a premium on quality.”
Original Viva Films this year include “Vodka, Beers and Regrets,” “Devoted,” “Hindi Tayo Pwede,” “Rooftop,” “Tiliing,” “Untrue,” “Nightshift,” “The Other Woman,” “Love the Way You Lie,” “Walang KaParis,” “You F Oh,” “Pakboys,” “Mang Jose,” and “Ultimate Oppa.”
Reimagined films also play a big part of the company’s 2020 Vision.
Del Rosario, said, “Lumiliit ang mundo eh, thanks in huge part to ever-developing technology that allows us to reach out to even bigger audiences. So, just as other countries adapt and enjoy our original content, tayo din, we will acquire original content from them. Ayaw nating manggaya. So, katulad ng ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ and ‘Ms. Granny,’ binibili natin ang rights then we adapt it for local audiences. Take note we don’t just adapt these films. Binibigyan natin ito ng Filipino flavour.”
Upcoming titles that fall in this category include “A Hard Day,” “Spellbound,” “Wedding Dress,” “The Housemaid,” “A Man and a Woman,” “Sunny,” “More Than Blue,” “The Wedding Breaker,” and “Instructions Not Included.”
Aping Marvel, Viva has superhero-themed movies covered, too.
Among titles that Viva will release this year are “Pedro Penduko,” “Joaquin Bordado,” “Elias Paniki,” “Gagambino,” “Kamandag,” “Valora,” “Berdugo,” “Totoy Bato” and “Panday.”
Ambitious as all these may seem, del Rosario assured, “These are not pipe dreams. Most of these films are already canned. Tapos na. Na-shoot na. It’s just a matter of finding a good release date.” (Neil Ramos)
