By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —Gov. Jose V. Gambito has endorsed a ₱10.2-million funding request for the production of a full length feature film that will showcase Nueva Vizcaya’s history, culture and communities, with the proposed amount to be released in three tranches tied to project milestones.
The film will be directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mes de Guzman, a native of Aritao, and produced by Rhea Operaña. It will be shot entirely on location in Nueva Vizcaya.
The project is described as a modern retelling of the 1973 film “Nueva Vizcaya” which stars Zaldy Shornack,Vic Vargas and Eddie Garcia. It follows a Filipino man’s search for identity through the province’s history, culture and people.
The concept was first developed during the administration of the late Gov. Carlos M. Padilla.
Gambito endorsed the proposal to the Local Finance Committee after meeting with de Guzman, Operaña, personnel of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office, and Provincial Tourism Council Chair Ruth R. Padilla. He instructed the LFC to prioritize the search for funding for the project.
Under the proposed disbursement schedule, 50 percent, or ₱5.1 million, would be released upon the signing of a memorandum of agreement.
The first tranche would cover story and screenplay development, preproduction activities such as casting, rehearsals and production design, initial payments to talent and crew, location scouting and permits, equipment reservations and deposits, and the start of principal photography.
A second tranche equivalent to 30 percent, or ₱3.08 million, would be released once production is 50 to 60 percent complete. The remaining 20 percent, or ₱2.05 million, would be released upon completion of the film and submission of the required production reports.
Operaña said actors being considered for lead roles include John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales and Paolo Avelino. Final casting has yet to be determined.
The production team is targeting a world premiere during the Ammungan Festival in 2027. It also plans to submit the film to international festivals to widen its exposure and promote Nueva Vizcaya’s talent, locations and cultural heritage.
Marketing and distribution plans include pitching the film to streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, as well as to traditional broadcasters and cable networks, including Cignal, GMA and Kapamilya Channel, Operaña said.
Provincial Budget Officer Kristine Hernandez, who is also a member of the LFC, said the committee would look for possible funding sources for the project in line with the governor’s instruction to prioritize financing for the film.
Gov Gambito said the project is intended not only as a cultural and cinematic endeavor but also as an economic driver that could attract film production and tourism investment to Nueva Vizcaya.
