THREE of the brightest, most formidable names and best forces in Philippine cinema are assembled in director Dan Villegas’ Metro Manila Film Festival entry, the gripping drama-thriller, ‘Uninvited.’

The film is expected to lead and electrify this year’s roster of entries in the MMFF, which marks its golden anniversary this year.

Leading the powerhouse ensemble cast of ‘Uninvited’ is Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, with Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre and an impressive supporting cast – Tirso Cruz III, Lotlot de Leon, Mylene Dizon, Gabby Padilla, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Elijah Canlas, Cholo Barretto and Ron Angeles.

Bryan Diamante, producer of Mentorque Productions, cannot be as pleased as he was on Wednesday night, when Uninvited was unveiled in the grand media launch. The film is distributed by Warner Bros. and is a collaboration with Project 8 Projects.

“This moment is a culmination of months of work, hard work, passion and shared vision, a vision to create something that will resonate with the hearts of audiences, not just here in the Philippines but around the world.

“Salamat ng marami MMFF sa pagbibigay daan na makapagbahagi kami muli ng aming obra. Salamat sa Cinema Association of the Philippines for accommodating our entry.

“Also, thank you to FDCP (Film Development Association of the Philippines) sa malaking pagsubok na aming hinaharap, pero maraming salamat sa patuloy na pag-alalay sa aming mga gumagawa ng pelikulang Pilipino.

“The commitment of Mentorque Productions has always been to tell stories that challenge, inspire and start conversation. It started last year with Mallari with Piolo Pascual and with Uninvited for this year’s filmfest, we continue that journey.

“This project, like every film we take on, holds a special place in our hearts, especially if it is a dream project of the country’s Star for All Seasons.

“If there is a film that will score themes that will hold deep emotions and contemplation with the brilliant combination of talent we have been so fortunate to assemble.

“We have the privilege and honor to have three of the finest actors in Philippine cinema leading this project.

“The legendary Vilma Santos, whose name is synonymous with excellence and finest artistry. Aga Muhlach, who has continuously given audience his heart and soul in every role. And Nadine Lustre, who brings a new and electrifying energy to the screen.

“This film would not have been possible with the storytelling and mastery of the one and only Dan Villegas, whose clear vision and meticulous approach elevated Uninvited to something truly remarkable. Screenplay is by Dodo Dayao.

“His ability to bring out the raw and authentic performances and weave them into a story that brings you from the very beginning has been awe-inspiring to witness.

“To top this has been a collaboration with excellent directors of their generation. Antoinette Jadaone has been one of our producers and Irene Villamor is our creative producer.

“I will also want to thank the rest of our hardworking crew, our promotions team, producers, writer, cinematographer, set designer, sound technicians, editor and all the other talented professionals who poured their heart and passion into every frame of this film. Your dedication and creativity are the backbone of what we are celebrating tonight.

“To Warner Bros., sir Rico Gonzales, thank you for the trust to Mentorque Productions, which has boost confidence to push forward our dreams. Now, we have a bigger dream. We wish to work with our co-production with Warner Bros.

“To Viva, Boss Vic and Vincent del Rosario, thank you for entrusting your biggest stars, Aga and Nadine, to us. We will always be forever grateful.”

“To my family, friends, esteemed guests, media and vloggers, our team at Mentorque Productions, movie enthusiasts, we are deeply grateful for your continued support and trust in our work.

“It is because of you that we continue to dream bigger and strive for stories that matter.

“Uninvited is a film that, we believe, will open hearts and provoke thought. We are excited for you to be part of this journey and experience a film and emotion that this story holds.

“Uninvited is not just elevating Filipino cinema, but elevating Filipino sensitivity and understanding the world we never cared to explore.

“Thank you for supporting not only this film, but Philippine cinema as a whole. Let’s continue to keep the fire of storytelling alive.

“Today is the start of a month’s journey before we finally see the film on our silver screens. Huwag niyo po kaming bibitawan. Ang Uninvited ay isang pelikulang hindi ka manghihinayang na ipaglaban at ipagmalaki.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio