Brillante Mendoza, Samuel Jamier Film Projects Heat up Fire and Ice Production Slate (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for Asian cinema, I am absolutely thrilled by the 2025 production slate unveiled by Fire and Ice Media. This is not just another lineup of films; it’s a testament to the richness and diversity of Asian storytelling, brought to life by some of the most talented minds in the region.


2025’s lineup for Fire and Ice Media, a Philippine label, includes the upcoming films by acclaimed Asian filmmaker Brillante Mendoza and debut director of New York Asian Film Festival, Samuel Jamier.

Liza Diño-Seguerra, a former actor and previously the head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, is leading the company. The company has recently entered partnerships such as a minority share in Nicole Midori Woodford’s “Last Shadow at First Light,” a joint production involving Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Slovenia which debuted at the San Sebastian festival, and the co-production “Blue Imagine,” by Urara Matsubayashi, that had its global debut at the Rotterdam festival.

The project “Cocoon” by Mendoza is a tale drawn from his bond with his daughter, penned by Rocky Fajardo and Angel Mendoza. This film focuses on a Filipino-American veterinarian and her African-American partner, as they grapple with the complexities of family, culture, and self-identity. Raphael Gindre, a renowned French producer recognized for “Funny Birds” and “We the Coyotes,” which debuted at Cannes’ ACID in 2018, is also a co-producer. Mendoza expressed that this film resonates deeply with his experiences as a father and mirrors his own journey. He described it as a profound examination of love, identity, and family that transcends cultural boundaries.

“Jamier’s ‘Huntress on the Plains,’ is a movie set during World War II on Leyte Island. The story revolves around a young Filipino woman named Mayari and a Korean sniper, who together in an unusual partnership, work to free women from a Japanese detention camp.

Jamier stated that ‘Huntress’ is a progression – moving from presenting others’ stories to creating my own, combining intense suspense with the profound emotional resonance of a war drama. This project allows me to highlight the intricate history and multifaceted aspects of Asian identity through a relatable story, demonstrating that local narratives can engage global audiences,” said Jamier.

Will Fredo, known for producing ‘Plan 75’, makes a comeback as director in ‘Mindscape Manila’, while Diño, who has previously acted in some of Fredo’s earlier works, steps into the role of producer. This film delves into the realm of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), focusing on the link between an ASMR streamer and a mysterious, concealed truth. Diño expressed his excitement about helping Fredo return to the international scene effectively by saying, ‘The allure of the ASMR world and whisper fetish culture intrigued me instantly. It’s fulfilling to aid Fredo in re-emerging on the global stage with a suitable strategy and placement.’ U.S. firm Fusee is also involved as a co-producer.

In a supernatural horror movie titled “Red Thread,” the stories of a child who can see ghosts, a radio broadcaster, and a notorious serial killer are intricately woven together in a spine-tingling narrative. This cinematic endeavor is the brainchild of Ham Tran, a Vietnamese American filmmaker renowned for “The Anniversary,” his Oscar-nominated thesis film, as well as “Journey from the Fall,” which made its debut at the Busan Film Festival and more recently, “Maika,” which had its premiere at Sundance.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that this upcoming production boasts an impressive team of collaborators. Among them is Anderson Le from East Films, who doubles as the director of the Hawaii International Film Festival. Also on board is Mai Tuan Anh of Kontribute. From Taiwan, we have Jackol Kao DaSun Pictures, and from Singapore, prolific producer Tan Si En of Momo Film Co. Lastly, Nelson Mok will be managing world sales through his Mokster Films. The filming is slated to commence in March 2025.

In his first directorial effort, renowned Filipino entertainer Ice Seguerra embarks on a personal journey as a trans man in “Transfatherhood.” This film, written by Diño and helmed by Seguerra, focuses on Sam, a queer musician, who finds himself unexpectedly taking on the role of father to a young girl. The production was previously showcased at the EAVE Producers Workshop.

Seguerra shared that ‘Transfatherhood’ stems from his personal journey towards self-acceptance as a transgender man, leading to him becoming a spouse and a father. He explained this piece is about our family’s unique experiences and challenges, defying the traditional notion of what an ‘ideal family’ should look like.

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Dino stated that we’re dedicated to amplifying Asian narratives and establishing a cinematic link between Southeast Asia and global audiences. By doing so, Asian movies are breaking through barriers of culture and language, broadening their influence and resonance,” he explained.

The slate announcement come on the eve of Dino’s QCinema film festival in The Philippines and its accompanying project market.

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2024-11-07 12:17