‘Edjop’ heading to 39th Tokyo International Film Festival

“Edjop,” a film about Filipino student activist Edgar Jopson during the martial law regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., is set to bring his story to an international audience.

The film, starring Elijah Canlas and Jodi Sta. Maria, has been selected to compete in the Asian Future section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in Japan, according to a press release.

Canlas and Sta. Maria, along with director and co-executive producer Katski Flores, are set to attend the festival’s opening on October 26 and the film’s international premiere the following day.

For the filmmakers and cast, the screenings in Japan present an opportunity to share a Filipino story with an international audience and shed light on Jopson’s life and legacy.

“Our goal is to bring ‘Edjop’ to as many Filipinos as possible, globally, whether through distribution partnerships in other territories or privately organized community screenings. We’re open to exploring every avenue that will allow the film to reach its audience,” Flores said in a statement.

“Edjop” is also a recipient of a grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, which is supporting the film’s participation in international festivals.

The film had its local premiere in September.