Fil-Am lawyer honors father through upcoming TV series ‘Mt. Samat’

Fil-Am lawyer honors father through upcoming TV series ‘Mt. Samat’

The annual American Film Market is where professionals and creatives come together to unveil exciting new projects. Among the talented individuals showcasing their work this year is Filipino-American director and lawyer Gerard Pizarro, whose limited TV series “Mt. Samat” will be presented at the event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5 in Santa Monica, California.

“Mt. Samat” references the heroic spirit of American and Filipino soldiers during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, especially considering that the Bataan mountain is home to the national shrine of valor.

However, this limited TV series promises more than a historical backdrop. It’s described as a sweeping drama that follows the journey of an orphan who rises from poverty to wealth, navigating the trials of time-worn wars and generational family feuds.

Pizarro, a lawyer-turned-filmmaker, will take on multiple roles in the project, including directing the pilot episode and writing the script.

What makes this project special is that it’s a deeply personal story. “Mt. Samat” is inspired by the life of Pizarro’s father, Tony Deleon Pizarro, who migrated to the US through the Navy in 1959. The narrative begins in Orion, Bataan in 1941 during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines.

To ensure authenticity, the cast will include actors who speak Filipino with the right accent. Negotiations are underway to cast an A-list actor to portray Tony in the series.

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The official book launch of “The Man Behind the Uniform,” the novel that inspired the TV series, is scheduled on Oct. 29 at the Pizarro Estate, Rancho Santa Fe, California. This compelling series will be shot in Bataan, adding an extra layer of authenticity to this inspiring tale.

Pizarro’s “Mt. Samat” is set to capture the spirit of Filipino immigrants in the United States and the challenges they faced on their path to success. The American Film Market provides the perfect platform to share this heartfelt and inspirational story with the world.