Though graded A, period musical pulled out of theaters

CEBU, Philippines — The musical/historical/drama film “Ang Larawan,” an entry to the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), was pulled out of 17 theaters on Tuesday due to reported low ticket sales.

In his Twitter post, Ryan Cayabyab, the film’s musical director, said the film “lost cinemas to better performing films at the tills.” The movie is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s play “Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.”

The multi-awarded composer also pointed out that the issue is that the film “has been cut short in cinemas though it has been graded A.”

He thanked everyone who supported the film and enjoined his Twitter followers to catch it since it is still showing in some theaters.

“Ang Larawan” stars Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil as the Marasigan sisters Paula and Candida, respectively. Paulo Avelino also stars as the handsome boarder Tony Javier, alongside other cast members Celeste Legaspi, Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Aicelle Santos and Cris Villonco, among others. Original Pinoy Music (OPM) icons Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla also have cameos.

The film had its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October. It is produced by Culturtrain Music and Productions and directed by Cebuano Loy Arcenas.

Early this month, “Ang Larawan,” the only musical entry to this year’s MMFF, was grade “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board, which means the film has reached the highest quality standards set by the board.