Isang Himala, starring Kapuso singer-actress Aicelle Santos, is one of the official entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
PHOTO/S: YouTube

Marami ang excited para sa Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 dahil sa sampung official entries na pinagbibidahan ng mga malalaking artista tulad nina Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Judy Ann Santos, Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto, Piolo Pascual, Dennis Trillo, Nadine Lustre, Ruru Madrid, Eugene Domingo, at marami pang iba.

Sa sampung pelikulang mapapanood simula sa Araw ng Pasko, December 25), ang official entry na Isang Himala ang natatanging musical.

Pinagbibidahan ng Kapuso singer-actress na si Aicelle Santos bilang si Elsa, ito ay mula sa direksiyon ni Pepe Diokno.

Produced ito ng Kapitol Films, UXS (Unitel Straight Shooters Media Incorporated), at CreaZion Studios.

Ang Isang Himala ay hango sa 2018 theatrical musical play na Himala, Isang Musikal na dinirek ni Ed Lacson Jr. at sa panulat nila Ricky Lee at Vincent de Jesus.

Nakatanggap dito si Aicelle ng award mula sa 11th Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards as Outstanding Female Lead Performance in a Musical.

Aicelle Santos in a scene from Himala, Isang Musikal 
Photo/s: Gia Allana Sorian

Ang orihinal na Himala ay isinulat ni Ricky Lee. Ginawa itong pelikula ng Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP) na pinagbidahan ni Superstar Nora Aunor bilang Elsa at sa direksiyon ni Ishmael Bernal.

Naging official entry ang Himala sa 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Naiuwi nito ang siyam na awards kasama na rito ang Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Nora), Best Supporting Actress (Gigi Dueñas), Best Supporting Actor (Spanky Manikan), Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Engineering, at Best Art Direction.

Naging official Philippine entry ang Himala sa 1983 Berlin Film Festival.

Nora Aunor in Himala

ISANG HIMALA AS OFFICIAL ENTRY TO MMFF 2024

Sa panayam ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) sa producers ng CreaZion Studios na sina RJ Agustin (President & CEO), Real Florido (Executive Vice President Chief Creative Officer), via Facebook Messenger noong November 8, inalam namin kung ano ang nag-udyok sa kanila na ipasok sa MMFF 2024 ang Isang Himala.

Ano ang expectations nila dahil makakalaban nito ay mas malalaking pelikula mula sa malalaking film studios?

Ayon kina Agustin at Florido, ang naging driving force nila na gawing entry sa MMFF ang Isang Himala ay ang mismong legacy ng Himala, na isa sa hindi malilimutang pelikulang sumali sa taunang film festival.

Panahon na raw na ipakita nila ang reimagined version ng musical nito on the big screen.

Pahayag ni Florido: “The idea of reimagining this iconic film has been passionately pursued for years, especially with the legacy of National Artists Ishmael Bernal, Ricky Lee, and Nora Aunor behind it.

“For so long, this vision stayed on paper, but now, we’re thrilled to see it come to life. With the combined efforts of Ricky Lee, Pepe Diokno, UXS, Kapitol Films and CreaZion Studios, this masterpiece is finally realized—a once in a generation film project that honors its roots while bringing fresh resonance for today’s audiences.”

Naging tapat daw ang film director na si Pepe Diokno sa original script ng Isang Himala.

Nakilala si Direk Pepe sa kanyang critically acclaimed films na Engkwentro (2009), Above The Clouds (2014), at Kapatiran (2015). Ginawaran siya bilang best director in last year’s MMFF for GomBurZa.

Ayon kay Florido, “Pepe Diokno’s reimagined film, Isang Himala, stays true to the original script while also adding his unique perspective.

“In this reimagined version, he places special emphasis on highlighting the themes of hope, faith, and love that are central to the film.”

AICELLE SANTOS AND BITUIN ESCALANTE

Ayon naman kay Agustin, mahusay ang buong cast ng Isang Himala na halos lahat ay galing sa teatro.

Nagpakita ng kakaibang pagganap ang bidang si Aicelle bilang si Elsa at si Bituin Escalante bilang ina ni Elsa na si Aling Saling.

Aicelle Santos (left) and Bituin Escalante (right) in Isang Himala 
Photo/s: @thecreazionstudios on Instagram

Saad ni Agustin: “Aicelle brings Elsa to life with such depth and resilience — the essence that makes this character iconic.

“She respects the original portrayal but adds a different layer and a fresh perspective, channeling hope, love, and solidarity that feel grave in today’s world.

“Her performance leaves a lasting impression as Elsa is unforgettable, and the role is undeniably award-worthy in Aicelle’s hands.

“Bituin Escalante’s portrayal of Aling Saling is equally compelling, her on-screen presence is evident as she embodies the strength and deep devotion of a mother’s love.

“Her performance is full of heart, a genuine tribute to the passion and support a mother has for her child. With such skill, Bituin is wholly deserving of recognition for this deeply moving role.”

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

On Instagram, ipinost ni Aicelle ang trailer ng Isang Himala na may caption na: “It’s been a while. Taking on Elsa again after 5 years. A lot has happened and a lot has changed. But one thing remains – I’ll still and will always be grateful to be able to go back to my first love, singing, and musical theater. And this time, in the movies.”

Sa 50-year history ng MMFF, ang 2017 entry na Ang Larawan ang natatanging musical film na nanalong Best Picture at apat pang awards: Best Actress (Joanna Ampil), Best Musical Score, Best Production Design, at Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Culturakl Award.

Maulit kaya ang panalong ito sa Isang Himala?

“We have high hopes for this film. The material is powerful, and the set design is nothing short of world-class—a massive, carefully crafted build that shows the extraordinary investment poured into this once-in-a-generation project,” diin ni Florido.

Ano naman sa tingin nila ang chances ng Isang Himala box office-wise?

Makakalaban nito sa opening day ang mga pelikulang And The Breadwinner Is… nina Vice Ganda at Eugene Domingo; Green Bones nina Dennis Trillo at Ruru Madrid; The Kingdom nina Vic Sotto at Piolo Pascual; Strange Frequencies nina Enrique Gil at Jane de Leon; Espantaho nina Judy Ann Santos at Lorna Tolentino; Hold Me Close nina Julia Barretto at Carlo Aquino; My Future You nina Francine Diaz at Seth Fedelin; Topakk ni Arjo Atayde; at Uninvited nina Vilma Santos, Nadine Lustre, at Aga Muhlach.

Ayon kay Agustin, “There’s been a shift in what moviegoers crave—they’re now looking for substance, something that stirs real emotion. Of course, we’re hopeful for strong box-office results, because audiences truly deserve to experience this reimagined masterpiece.

“Featuring an all-theater cast gives us an underdog spirit. Not to downplay them, but it’s refreshing to offer something different from the usual big-name lineups that dominate the screen.

“With the strength of our story and unique approach, we believe this once-in-a-generation project can stand alongside films led by household names,” ayon kay Agustin.

Kung anuman ang maging resulta ng Isang Himala, ayon kina Agustin at Florido, tuloy ang projects ng CreaZion Studios para sa taong 2025.

Saad nila: “CreaZion Studios is all about raising the bar for Filipino cinema and proving that our films can reach a global audience. Each project we take on is unique, and we’re focused on telling fresh, out-of-the-box stories.

“Next year, we’re excited to bring you The Legend of Ochi from A24, starring Willem Dafoe; Everything About My Wife with real-life couple Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo alongside Sam Milby; and Severino, a gripping film about the Philippines’ first documented serial killer, starring Dennis Trillo.

“With every project, we continue to push boundaries, embracing bold, innovative ideas that challenge the norm and offer audiences something truly new.”