GMA Pictures and Columbia Pictures have entered a landmark deal for the distribution of two upcoming films “Green Bones” and “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie” in a contract signing held at the Columbia Pictures office in the Philippines on September 5. This marks the return of Columbia Pictures in distributing local films in the Philippines.
Attending for GMA Pictures were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs First Vice President Nessa Valdellon.
Signing for Columbia Pictures were its Managing Director Christopher Sy and Sales & Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga Manas.
Through this agreement, Columbia Pictures will take on the role of handling the local theatrical distribution of “Green Bones” and “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie.” 2024 marks the first time Columbia Pictures is distributing locally-produced films after eight years.
“GMA Pictures is proud to announce that two of its upcoming films, “Green Bones” and “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie,” will be distributed commercially by Columbia Pictures. As one of the leading film production companies in the world, Columbia Pictures has brought some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters to Philippine theaters. We are honored and grateful that Columbia Pictures is with us in our endeavor to produce high-quality films and that these movies will be accessible to more moviegoers through this deal,” said Atty. Gozon-Valdes.
“Columbia Pictures has always been committed to the theatrical experience and we are thrilled to be partnering with GMA Pictures to distribute the MMFF entry “Green Bones” as well as “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie.” GMA Pictures has a rich legacy of producing award-winning and commercial films which we look forward to bringing to as wide an audience as possible,” said Sy.
Also gracing the event were “Green Bones” lead actors Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid.
Directed by Zig Dulay, “Green Bones” is a gripping, inspirational drama that delves into the story of a man accused of murdering his sister and niece, and a relentless corrections officer driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice. It is GMA Network’s official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee is also among the film’s screenplay writers.
Meanwhile, “KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim: The Movie” is the movie spin-off of the annual Halloween special of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” that features real-life horror-themed stories and episodes.
Columbia Pictures, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has released some of the biggest blockbusters of the past decade, including “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” “Venom,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and the recently released “It Ends With Us.” In 2023, Columbia released “Insidious: The Red Door” which became the highest grossing film for that year and the biggest horror film of all time in the Philippines.
Over the years, GMA Pictures has become a prominent player in the Philippine cinema landscape, captivating audiences locally and internationally. Some of its recent films include “Firefly,” “The Cheating Game,” and the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry “Balota,” which was produced with GMA Entertainment Group.
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