THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) and Fiesta in America are set to have the global premiere of the fully restored and remastered iconic 1998 film, ‘Jose Rizal,’ in New York.

Scheduled for August 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Look Cinemas 657 W 57th St, New York, the premiere follows the film’s sweeping success at the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival, where it won 17 awards, the most an entry clinched in the MMFF’s history.

The special screening marks the first time the restored film by GMA Pictures will be shown outside the Philippines, following its Cinemalaya premiere a few days earlier. It will be only the second public screening of Jose Rizal everywhere.

Directed by the late National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya and starring Cesar Montano in the title role, the film vividly portrays the final days of Rizal before his execution in December 1896, providing an intimate glimpse into the thoughts and struggles of the national hero.

From books to street names to the one-peso coin, Jose Rizal is ubiquitous in the daily lives of Filipinos. Yet, beyond his status as a national hero, how much do we truly know about him? Who is the real Jose Rizal?

The film delves into the depths of his life, offering a profound exploration of his struggles, ideals and sacrifices as well as his enduring impact on Philippine history and culture.

The star-studded cast includes Mickey Ferriols as Leonor Rivera, Chin Chin Gutierrez as Josephine Bracken, Gloria Diaz, Ronnie Lazaro, Pen Medina, Gina Alajar, Jaime Fabregas, Jhong Hilario and Gardo Versoza.

The screenplay was penned by Jun Robles Lana, Peter Ong Lim and National Artist Ricky Lee.

Gil Quito, a New York-based writer and media producer, will provide a short introduction before the screening and will conduct a talkback with the audience after the screening.

Quito is the author of the book-length biographical survey, ‘Marilou Diaz-Abaya: Beyond Feminism,’ published in the award-winning anthology Direk: Essays on Filipino Filmmakers.

He has also published on Abaya in other publications, including Asian Cinevision and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.

Quito’s production and screenplay credits span several acclaimed films and he has curated major film retrospectives and series in New York.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the 50 percent discount in the ticket price, as Rizal, the national hero has an enduring impact on Philippine history and culture.

The event schedule is as follows: Networking is 6 to 6:30 p.m. with food to be provided. Screening will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., followed by the Q&A session from 9:30 to 10 p.m.

The restored version will first premiere in the Philippines at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, taking place that runs until August 11, before the New York screening on Aug. 13 at Look Cinemas located at 657 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019.

Ticket buyers are entitled to win a free roundtrip raffle to the Philippines, automatically entered when they buy a ticket. Individuals can buy more tickets to raise their chances of winning.

Part of the proceeds will go to flood victims of Typhoon Carina in the Philippines. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit gophilippines.co/jose-rizal-film or call (212) 682-6610.

Meanwhile Jose Rizal will also be screened at the upcoming 27th edition of Fiesta in America at New York City’s dine-in cinemas on August 13.

The two-day Fiesta in America on August 17 and 18 will be held at the retail and entertainment complex, American Dream, at East Rutherford in New Jersey.

The event will be open to the public and will feature trade shows that highlight the Philippines, its people and products in the East Coast.