‘Dito at Doon’ extended due to public demand
TBA Studios recently held a virtual thanksgiving party to celebrate the successful digital release of the must-watch movie of the year “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”).
Among those present in the celebration were cast members Janine Gutierrez, JC Santos, Victor Anastacio, Yesh Burce, Ms. Lotlot de Leon, and director JP Habac. Together with TBA Studios producers, they thanked the public, press, bloggers, and distribution partners for the outpouring support.
“We are grateful to everyone who watched ‘Dito at Doon’. More than providing entertainment, we wanted viewers to also find solace in these challenging times by experiencing the story of ‘Dito at Doon’,” said Direk JP.
TBA Studios’ first pandemic production, “Dito at Doon” enjoyed a lot of firsts: it is the first local film released during the pandemic, the first to be released on five major streaming platforms, extended due to public demand with a simultaneous international release.
It has been receiving rave reviews from critics and the public alike since its domestic online release on March 31, with the film being called a “touching and timely romantic tale” with “stellar performances from its lead cast Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos.”
This month, the movie has become available in over 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, and select territories in the Middle East, and North Africa via TBA Play. TBA Play is also partnered with international distribution and sales company, TVCO to bring TBA Play contents to key markets in Europe.
Janine had long wanted to do a film under TBA, the producer of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed movies “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo.” That’s why when she got the offer for “Dito at Doon,” she immediately accepted even if there was no script yet.
“I heard there was an offer from TBA where I will get to to work with Direk JP Habac and JC Santos. I said yes na agad kasi I want to work with TBA,” said the Best Actress awardee of Gawad Urian and FAMAS for “Babae at Baril.”
Janine made the right decision in accepting the offer. The movie, the story of which was set during the pandemic, was critically-acclaimed.
At the Zoom presscon, Janine was asked if she is looking forward to watching “Dito at Doon” on the big screen, if and when cinemas re-open.
“Yes, I do. It is still a different kind of experience watching a movie inside a theater in the same way that it is also an experience watching a movie at home via streaming. I’m definitely looking forward to watching it in a cinema. This is a special movie for me because we know we are under a pandemic but TBA still made an effort to produce,” she said.
Doing “Dito at Doon” made her hopeful. Despite the uncertain times, having finished the film made her realize things can be done with right planning.
“We didn’t know what direction to take when the pandemic struck but it was very brave for TBA to take this risk to shoot, where they took good care of us every step of the way. I wish more people will watch the movie online.”
Asked if she has plans of getting married after posting a cryptic message on her Instagram account, Janine said this is not yet going to happen and her boyfriend Rayver Cruz knows it.
For JC, “Dito at Doon” also brought him a message of hope amid everyone being on survival mode. Like Janine, he is also interested to watch the film on the big screen.
“It gives one a different feeling of fulfillment. You can say you enjoyed the experience and it’s worth the money you paid for the admission ticket. I miss that feeling that I am a spectator in a big cinema. I hope that comes back soon.”
Because of the good reviews, many are asking if TBA is planning a sequel. According to Direk JP, it hasn’t crossed his mind but he is open to the possibility.
For JC, it would be nice to have a Part 2 and if that happens, he wants to have Enchong Dee to be part of a love triangle if that would be the story arc.
“Enchong is a very nice guy. Mabait siya. Gusto ko siyang makakwentuhan at marinig kung ano ang laman ng isip niya,” he said.
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