Award-winning filmmaker Nijel de Mesa has become the first Filipino to launch a global streaming platform, unveiling NDM Plus during the second day of the NDM Expo held on Oct. 25 at the Singapore Expo.
De Mesa, known for his 25-year career under the NDM brand, had puzzled industry observers in recent years as he continued producing films without public release dates. The mystery ended with the reveal of NDM Plus, a Singapore-based platform branded as the “Home of Unique Storytelling.”
The platform features an initial library of original titles produced by NDMstudios, several of which have already gained international recognition. Among them are Malditas in Maldives and Coronaphobia, which are now streaming on NDM Plus (www.ndmplus.com).
De Mesa, who grew up in Manila, said his modest upbringing taught him resourcefulness.
QCinema expands ‘Film City’ theme with 33 short films from 21 countries
“My dad would usually remind me that we were not rich like my friends from school. I had to make my own toys from trash,” he recalled.
That same drive and strategic approach guided the five-year development of NDM Plus. De Mesa worked on the project in secrecy, continuing to create films and join international festivals to build anticipation for the eventual launch.
NDM Plus limits its subscribers to 100,000, offering “value-added services” known as NDM+ Experiences, which include exclusive live events and socials for VIP Prestige and Platinum members.
The launch event drew artists from Singapore, executives from Sony Pictures, members of the Filipino community, and NDM Plus board members, including Will Devaughn, Daiana Menezes, Carlo Alvarez, managing director Junna Marie, chief legal counsel Jiji Jorge, and De Mesa’s wife, Jan Christine.
