'Birdshot' on Netflix starting March 26

MANILA, Philippines — Critically-acclaimed "Birdshot" is one click away for viewers as Netflix makes the coming-of-age thriller available for streaming starting March 26.

For those who were not able to catch Birdshot's screening at Cinemalaya film festival last year, Netflix has acquired rights over Mikhael Red's creation.

Robert Roy, Netflix's Vice President for Content Acquisition, said: "Birdshot is a mesmerizing thriller that's beautifully shot and since its debut, the movie has been widely recognized by critics, and we are confident that it will equally resonate with the more than 117 million Netflix members globally."

"Birdshot" centers around 14-year-old Maya, played by Mary Joy Apostol, who was taught by his father to fire a gun. Maya wanders into a Philippine forest reserve where she mistakenly shots the Philippine Eagle.

Apostol heaped praises for her performance, as she held her own while sharing the screen with other critically acclaimed actors Arnold Reyes and John Arcilla.

The film bagged Best Film in the Asian Future Tokyo Film Fest 2016 and was the Philippines' entry for the 2018 Academy Awards' Foreign Language Film category.

"Birdshot" is the first Philippine content to be released by Netflix. It is co-produced by Globe Studios and TBA Studios and will be made available to international viewers.