Reality MM Studios Marks 10th Anniversary Re-Release of "Honor Thy Father" with Exclusive SM Cinemas Run
Reality MM Studios co-founders Dondon Monteverde and director Erik Matti, together with veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, engaged with the media during a press conference celebrating the 10th anniversary re-release of the acclaimed film "Honor Thy Father." Starting on September 17, SM Cinemas will exclusively screen the film, which stars John Lloyd Cruz in one of his most acclaimed roles.
"Syempre, we feel ten years older. It’s been a long time. Parang sa panahon na ‘yon na dumaan, naisip namin ni Erik [Matti] na at least palitan ng konti itong remastered version ng black-and-white and then pati mga music. Talagang pinagtiyagaan ni Erik, talagang inisa-isa to bring it to its new form," Monteverde shared.
This special re-release presents "Honor Thy Father" in striking black and white, enhanced by a new musical score that brings a hauntingly fresh dimension to its intense narrative. The anniversary edition promises to offer both longtime fans and new audiences a powerful cinematic experience.
"We were working on it, and then sa kaka-tweak namin, umabot na siya ng ten years. And we realized, maybe we can show it again. And happy kami na SM was open to reissue the film in its new form to show it to a wider audience," said Matti. He went on to say that their experience at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2015 made "Honor Thy Father" unique and memorable.
The acclaimed film became the center of controversy after being disqualified from the Best Picture category at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The disqualification was attributed to the alleged non-disclosure of the film’s prior screening as the opening feature for Cinema One Originals. However, producers Reality Entertainment insisted that they had informed the MMFF about the screening and asserted that they had not received due process.
"We went to Congress with it, and it has a sort of similar feeling to what actually happened during that year. In a way, we wanted to show the movie again to its new audience. Ten years is a long time. So we hope that there's a newfound audience for this film."
Tirso Cruz III, who played Bishop Tony in the movie, said he was excited because it's one of the few occasions he gets to see one of his ten-year-old films. "First of all syempre, gusto kong makita yung itsura ko from ten years ago kung malaki ba ang itinanda ko," he quipped. "I'm excited talaga because I remember I like being able to work with Erik Matti, under the production of boss Dondon, and of course acting with some of the artists being led by John Lloyd Cruz."
"Para sa akin kasi, looking back, not demeaning or looking down on other actors, but para sa akin one of the top actors talaga natin na kumbaga pinapili mo ako ng leading man halimbawa gagawa ako ng pelikula, kukunin ko agad si JLC," he continued, adding that he has a lot of faith in the actor.
"Masayang masaya ako na naging part ako ng movie na 'to. Ang dami naming recognitions na tinanggap dito eh. Just goes to show how good our director is na na-guide niya kami. I mean, an actor can also be as good as someone when you're directed by someone who knows what they're doing," the veteran actor concluded, praising and thanking Matti.
The film's lead actor, John Lloyd Cruz, who took a hiatus from 2017 to 2021 to focus on his health, has expressed support for the re-release, according to Matti. Cruz has signed with Maja Salvador's Crown Artist Management and GMA Network and has worked on smaller projects.
Matti stated that the original score is fine, explaining that it reflects John Lloyd's feelings of helplessness regarding his actions towards his wife and family. So naisip ko lang, what if hindi siya helpless? What if may dark side talaga si Edgar (John Lloyd's character)? So the music is going towards that. It's going to the angle ng Acetylene Gang and mga taga Bontoc sila, and yung music parang nabubuhay yung pagka-Bontoc nila. Kasi minero sila sa Bontoc eh. The music hinted at the Ilocano side of Edgar's story. So at least may bago siyang lasa."
He also mentioned that in today's digital era, it's simpler to alter the score and explore alternative options compared to the past, given the numerous processes the movie had to navigate.