Pilita Corrales documentary in the works, filmmakers reveal at Cannes

Photo by BJ Pascual from Janine Gutierrez/Instagram

Award-winning director Baby Ruth Villarama and producer Chuck Gutierrez have set their sights on bringing the legendary career of Filipino singing icon Pilita Corrales to the big screen with a new documentary, as announced at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

Janine Gutierrez, granddaughter of the esteemed “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” has teamed up with Raymond Ang and Chuck Gutierrez, expressing her elation on Instagram about co-producing the project alongside Villarama, celebrated for her directorial brilliance in “Sunday Beauty Queen.”

“Sunday Beauty Queen” bagged Best Picture at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2017 Gawad Urian Awards.

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“Very excited to announce that we’re working with the amazing @babyruthv on a documentary on my Mamita, the one and only Pilita Corrales,” the “Dirty Linen” lead actress exclaimed.

“I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to help preserve Mamita’s amazing legacy, and I hope this project becomes another way for younger generations to learn about her story – not just as a legendary performer, but as a woman who defied expectations and truly paved the way.”

While the project is still in its nascent stages, the Filipina actress emphasized its focus on Corrales’ remarkable seven-decade career, delving into her personal life through the lens of her songs.

“The project is in very early stages of development but is already being introduced at Producer’s Network and Spotlight Asia this week at Cannes! So excited @babyruthv @chuckpinoy @raymondangas,” she added.

According to the filmmakers, the documentary will trace Corrales’ journey from an unexpected start as a shipwrecked magician’s assistant in her teenage years to achieving stardom as a major TV and recording artist in Australia during the 1950s.

The documentary promises to offer audiences a comprehensive glimpse into the life and legacy of the 84-year-old icon, celebrating her contributions to music and her enduring impact on the cultural landscape.