GMA Pictures, Columbia Pictures sign distribution deal for 'Amir'

October 16 ------ GMA Pictures has renewed its partnership with Columbia Pictures for the distribution of its 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Amir,” starring Dennis Trillo and Argus Aspiras.

According to Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the distribution agreement was signed by representatives of GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Brightburn Entertainment, and Columbia Pictures, bringing together the companies behind the film following the success of their previous collaboration on the 2024 MMFF entry “Green Bones.”

The contract signing was led by GMA Network Inc. Senior Vice President and GMA Pictures President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes. Also present were GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President and GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon; Columbia Entertainment Managing Director Christopher Sy; Sales and Operations Manager Andra de Erquiaga; and Dennis, who represented Brightburn Entertainment.

“This is a very important film. That is why we teamed up again with Columbia, of course they have the expertise of distribution. All our important films are entrusted to them, and we were very happy with the results. That's why we're entrusting ‘Amir’ to them again,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Sy, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about working with GMA Pictures once more, particularly as the film prepares for its MMFF release. “I think this is a real great privilege for us to work again, and we're really excited to be able to help them with the MMFF,” Sy said.

The excitement surrounding “Amir” has also been building online, with its teaser trailer garnering more than four million views on social media.

For Dennis, the positive response from viewers has made him even more eager for audiences to see the film. “I've been continuously reading the comments and looking at people's reactions. So far, the response has been positive. Everyone is excited and looking forward to this new project, especially with Argus, Glaiza, and many others in the cast,” Dennis said in Filipino.

Argus, meanwhile, shared his excitement after watching the teaser, saying it already gave him chills. “I'm extremely excited. When I first watched it, I got chills. The teaser is already good, so how much more the movie?” he said in Filipino. “They should enjoy the movie because it's a story about family,” he added.

Earlier this week, GMA Pictures dropped the teaser trailer for “Amir,” which offered a glimpse into the mysterious world of Amir (Argus), a young boy whose extraordinary experiences hint at the magic surrounding him. The teaser also features the cultural heritage of the Muslims in Mindanao. Aside from Dennis and Argus, the film also stars Glaiza de Castro, Will Ashley, and Ronnie Lazaro, among others.

“Amir” is directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay and written by National Artist Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, the team behind the acclaimed film “Green Bones.” It is a collaboration between GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, and Brightburn Entertainment, the production company owned by Dennis and his wife, Jennylyn Mercado.

Source: gmanetwork.com