The Aljur Abrenica-starrer Hermano Puli is being pulled outof the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) contributor Mell Navarro reveals that there is a lack of funding for the historical movie.
The movie's director, Gil Portes, sent a text message on October 20 citing problems looking for investors for the MMFF 2015 entry.
The text message from Direk Gil read: “This is a sad day for me. I’ve exhausted all the possible investors for Hermano Puli. I’ll make it official by informing MMFF today.”
Last June, the MMFF executive commitee announced that Hermano Puli, a biopic about religious leader Apolinario De la Cruz (a.k.a. Hermano Puli), was one of the eight official entries to the annual film fest.
Hermano Puli (also spelled as “Pule”) is a native of Lucban, Tayabas (now Quezon Province) who led a religious revolt during the 19th century.
He wanted to become a priest but the religious orders at that time did not welcome Indios (native Filipinos).
In the 1830s, he established a religious confraternity called the Cofradia de San Jose.
As the leader, Apolinario called himself as hermano mayor, which is why he became known as Hermano Puli.
However, Spanish and Roman Catholic authorities regarded the brotherhood as heresy, which led to the group's excommunication and the order to arrest Hermano Puli.
In 1841, he was finally captured, tried, and sentenced to die by firing squad. His body was cut into pieces and his head was hung on a pole along the road leading to Majayjay town.
READ: MMFF 2015 entries revealed: Kris-Herbert, Vic-Ai-Ai, Coco-Vice movies included in lineup
Investors did not push through with the project, which would also have starred Alessandra de Rossi and Enzo Pineda.
Direk Gil had this to say about Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (the title of the movie indicated in its teaser trailer):
"Today I am e-mailing a letter of withdrawal for HERMANO PULI in the MMFF. God knows I gave my best to get investors, but it's not meant to be produced now. I wish to thank you & your team for the support you gave the film. I'll be forever grateful. Till next film."
JLC MOVIE FILLING THE SLOT? Two films were selected as reserve entries for the 41st edition of the MMFF.
These backup entries can be expected to fill up the slot Hermano Puli vacated.
In the 9th slot is the John Lloyd Cruz-starrer Honor Thy Father, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Directed by Erik Matti, this crime thriller revolves around a married couple played by John Lloyd and Meryll Soriano.
They earned millions by tricking churchgoers into joining a get-rich-quick scheme. When the money disappears, their daughter Angel (Krystal Brimner) is kidnapped as collateral so that the couple will be forced to return the investments.
(Read: John Lloyd Cruz-starrer, Honor Thy Father, earns good reviews from Toronto International Film Festival)
The 10th slot went to Lakambini, which cast Lovi Poe as Gregoria de Jesus. The film revolves around Andres Bonifacio’s wife who led the Katipunan's women's chapter.
Dominic Du of the MMFF executive committee was asked about finding a replacement for the movie.
Will Honor Thy Father become the replacement of Hermano Puli?
"Sila ang No. 9 [entry] pero may mga qualifications yun," he said in an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
"Definitely, kung umatras yun, yung next qualified entry will replace it."
Two weeks ago, the Kris Aquino MMFF entry All You Need is Pag-ibig almost withdrew from the festival after the Queen of All Media announced on Instagram that she was backing out from the movie.
Read: Is Kris Aquino backing out of MMFF movie with Mayor Herbert Bautista?
It seems the project is finally pushing through since Kris posted a photo of her meeting with executives of Star Cinema, producer of the movie, last Monday, October 12.
Read: Kris Aquino hints her MMFF movie might push through
Meanwhile, teasers of MMFF 2015 entries Nilalang (starring Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa), Walang Forever (starring Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales), and Buy Now, Die Later (Alex Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro) can now be seen online.
The Haunted Mansion teaser (starring Janella Salvador, Jerome Ponce, and Marlo Mortel) was shown at the premiere night of Resureksyon and The Prenup.
The other entries MMFF 2015 entries are My Bebe Love (starring Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Alden Richards, and Maine Mendoza) and Beauty and the Bestie (Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, Nadine Lustre, and James Reid).