Morisette’s film ‘Song of the Fireflies’ to make Hollywood debut at MIFF

Photo from songofthefireflies/Instagram

The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is set to light up Hollywood as it returns to Los Angeles from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, bringing the best of Filipino cinema to an international audience. 

Among the festival highlights is the world premiere of “Song of the Fireflies,” a Filipino musical film directed by King Palisoc and penned by Sarge Lacuesta. 

Plagued by delays brought on by the pandemic, a devastating typhoon in 2021 and funding challenges, the Filipino musical film faced an uphill battle. Yet, after a determined return to production in 2023, the film is finally ready to shine on the world stage.

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“Song of the Fireflies” stars powerhouse Filipino performers Morissette, Krystal Brimner, Noel Comia Jr. and Rachel Alejandro.

The film tells the heartwarming story of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol, weaving a coming-of-age tale with stirring musical performances. 

MIFF is honored to world premiere King Palisoc’s ‘Song of the Fireflies’ (drama, musical) starring Morisette Amon and Rachel Alejandro, with music by Ryan Cayabyab. CONTRIBUTED

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The “Akin Ka Nalang” songstress Morissette takes on the role of a music teacher, anchoring the story’s emotional depth, which is also produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions – the team behind the award-winning musical film, “Ang Larawan.”

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The film will have its world debut on Feb. 1 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The MIFF lineup also includes 10 entries from the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), such as Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner Is…” and Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Hold Me Close,” alongside special screenings of historic works like “Genghis Khan” (1950) and “A Filipino in America” (1938).

Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner Is…” CONTRIBUTED

Jason Paul Laxamana’s ‘Hold Me Close’/CONTRIBUTED

The highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, “Hello, Love, Again” will also return to LA as part of the MIFF lineup.

MIFF returns Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s record-breaking blockbuster ‘Hello, Love, Again’ due to insistent public demand. CONTRIBUTED

In addition to film screenings, MIFF will host a star-studded gala at The Beverly Hilton, bringing together filmmakers, actors and cinephiles to celebrate the artistry of Filipino storytelling.

Tickets for the screenings and gala are available on the MIFF’s website. The TCL Chinese Theatre is located on the third level of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028.