Instead of submitting it for consideration to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Fest, Brillante Mendoza's Ma' Rosa will be screened in cinemas on July 6.
Solar Entertainment, the local distributor of the movie, decided to release the movie on an earlier date.
In a text message sent to PEP, Direk Brillante revealed that his film about a couple arrested by corrupt policemen will begin screening in Philippine cinemas on July 6.
Solar President/CEO Wilson Tieng, who was present during the opening ceremony of the 21st French Film Festival, believes that releasing this movie next month is more suitable.
They opted to release the movie while the Best Actress win of Jaclyn Jose at the 69th Cannes Film Festival is still hot news.
A report published by Inquirer stated that the earlier release will pave the way for Ma' Rosa to be a possible entry of the Philippines in the Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language category.
The indie film, which also stars Andi Eigenmann, Neil Ryan Sese and Ma. Isabel Lopez, will also open in France this November.