Warner Bros. is to handle the Southeast Asia theatrical release of Philippines-produced drama film “Under Parallel Skies.” The picture will have its world premiere this weekend as part of the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.
Directed by Sigrid Bernardo, “Under Parallel Skies” follows the story of a Thai bachelor, portrayed by major local star Win metawin, who travels to Hong Kong in search of his missing mother. He encounters a Filipino hotelier named, played by Janella Salvador, who helps him navigate love, heartbreak, and healing in the foreign city amid their differences in culture and identity.
Hong Kong has a large population of workers from The Philippines, many employed as domestic helpers or in hospitality. The film was shot in Hong Kong from June to July 2023, with the support of Hong Kong Tourism Board, and takes in iconic local locations including Kowloon City and Tai O.
Warner will release it in three Southeast Asian countries: The Philippines from April 17; Singapore from May; and Thailand from May 9.
“When we saw the first cut with director Sigrid, we knew we had something special here. We believed that this project is for the region. Then we pitched it to Rico [Gonzales] of Warner Bros. I felt like this project is the epitome of all stars aligning — that we produced a cross-country film and Warner Bros. was looking for something like that,” said Richard Juan, CEO of producer 28 Squared Studios. Rico Gonzales, director of distribution for Warner Bros. Philippines, saw regional potential and pitched it wider within the studio.
“There were some particular scenes in the movie that made me decide that, yes, I am going to recommend this film to my regional bosses. At Warner Bros, we believe in the power of stories. And I knew for a fact that from what I saw, even though it was still the non-final version of the film, I knew there was something special about it,” said Gonzales.
The film is believed to be the first pickup of a Filipino film by Warner Bros for theatrical release. It is also the first production by newly-formed 28 Squared, which co-produced with Two Infinity Entertainment of Hong Kong.
“At 28 Squared Studios, our mission is to champion impactful stories in Southeast Asia. We believe that we can continue fulfilling that mission as we bring this film across the region and showcase the talents in front and behind the camera on the global stage,” said Kristhoff Cagape, 28 Squared’s COO and co-executive producer of the film.
