Warner Bros. to Release the Mentorque Productions MMFF Horror Movie "MALLARI" Starring Piolo Pascual

Mentorque Productions, the producer of Piolo Pascual starrer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 movie entry "Mallari," has sealed a major deal with Warner Bros. Pictures for the theatrical distribution of the said horror movie.

The partnership was announced in a contract signing ceremony between Mentorque Productions president John Bryan Diamante and Warner Bros. Philippines distribution director Rico Gonzales last November 25, 2023 at the Chairman’s Lounge in Okada Manila as witnessed by Piolo, director Derick Cabrido, screenwriter Enrico Santos, and select member of entertainment press.

Both Diamante and Gonzales acknowledged that their latest collaboration for “Mallari” is going to be significant, not just for the movie itself, but for the entire Philippine film industry as well. They expressed optimism towards exploring even bigger opportunities to work in the future.

“We didn’t actually look for it. It just happened. The stars aligned and, on my part, I guess some things are meant to happen. Because the partnership of Mentorque and Warner Bros. seemed to have opened a Pandora’s Box of a lot of possibilities. We’re really dedicated to bringing out and making quality Filipino films. Moving forward, my ultimate goal is hopefully a co-production,” Diamante said.

"Mallari" is based on the story of Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, a parish priest based in Magalang, Pampanga, who confessed to the murders of 57 individuals between 1816 and 1826. The crimes led to his execution and made him the first documented serial killer in Philippine history.

This is Piolo's first horror film. When asked why he decided to accept the role, he said: "As an actor, it is your job to always push yourself, to always do something different, and for my growth, as well, for my evolution. I wanna be able to give myself that challenge and become better. Hindi naman puwede magsettle sa mga dating roles. This time sa mga streaming platforms mas broad na yung mga roles na puwede mong tanggapin, mas madali ng mag-diversify nowadays and I think I'm just passionate about my job kaya open ako sa kahit na anong role ang i-offer."

The film also stars JC Santos, Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson, and Gloria Diaz with the special participation of Mylene Dizon.

The film is written by Enrico Santos, directed by Derick Cabrido and produced by Mentorque Productions and line produced by Cleverminds, Inc.

The film had a very successful Mediacon and Fancon last December 1, 2023 where some members of the press, thousands of fans and supporters gathered at the Cinema 5 of SM Mall Of Asia and The Music Hall to join the cast performances, fun, games, and photo opportunities.

Catch "Mallari" in theaters nationwide beginning December 25 as part of the MMFF 2023.