The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival will showcase Isang Himala, a new adaptation of the 1982 classic Himala, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic story of faith and hope.
Directed by Pepe Diokno, this reimagining brings the audience back to Baryo Cupang, a gritty mining town that captures the chaos and intensity of the film’s central themes.
The teaser, released on Friday, introduces the story of Elsa, a young woman portrayed by Aicelle Santos, who captivates her community as she begins performing supposed miracles. Her journey is depicted amid the emotional turmoil of Baryo Cupang, setting the stage for a modern adaptation that aims to resonate with both new viewers and fans of the original.
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, who wrote the original screenplay, has expressed full support for Diokno’s version, highlighting its distinct approach.
“I’ve seen every form of Himala, and I’m thrilled about what Pepe has presented,” Lee said, underscoring the project’s commitment to honor the classic while adapting it for contemporary audiences.
Diokno, who previously won Best Director at the 2023 MMFF, said that Isang Himala represents his most ambitious project yet.
“The treatment is different from Ishmael’s Himala. From my first day on set, I felt transported to Baryo Cupang,” Diokno said, emphasizing the scale and immersive setting created for the film.
CreaZion Studios, in collaboration with Kapitol Films and UxS, produced the film, with Real Florido, CreaZion’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, underscoring the dedication poured into the project.
“With Ricky Lee’s involvement, we knew we needed a strong vision. This is not just any film; it’s a rare opportunity to bring this story to life, and we’ve put our full effort into it,” Florido said.
The film’s cast includes Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, and Kakki Teodoro, with contributions from 2024 Gawad Urian Awardee Vincent De Jesus and 2023 MMFF Best Cinematographer Carlo Mendoza.
Isang Himala is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 25 as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival, promising to bring new life to the themes of faith and hope that have made Himala a Filipino classic.
