The Healing Power of Music
Culturtain Musicat Productions Presents
a Feature Film Directed by King Palisoc
Official Selection – Newport Beach Film Festival
Special Presentation Screening – Philippines Spotlight
Los Angeles, California, Oct 8, 2025 – The Newport Beach Film Festival proudly announces a Special Presentation Screening in the Philippines Spotlight section, “Song of the Fireflies,” a luminous, critically acclaimed new musical film from the Philippines that explores love, memory, and determination through the eyes of a rural community bound by music and myth.
Capturing the essence of being Filipino for a global audience, the film is directed by King Palisoc and is inspired by the story of internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir as they navigate the tough series of choral competitions all the way to the national competition in Manila.
Since its premiere, the film has captured audiences worldwide, winning Best Picture at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), a Platinum Remi Award at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, and garnering rave reviews during its Philippine theatrical run. It recently made history as the first Filipino film in the Official Selection of the Italian Contemporary Film Festival.
The critically acclaimed film follows Alma Taldo, played by Morissette Amon (one of the Philippines’ most acclaimed musical stars), as a young choir teacher. Set against the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Philippine countryside, the film is a blend of lyrical realism and heartfelt storytelling, “Song of the Fireflies” captures the rhythms of a community struggling to preserve its voice in a changing world. The film has been hailed by critics in Southeast Asia as “a poetic hymn to hope and belonging.”
The film is produced by Girlie Rodis, Celeste Legaspi, Rachel Alejandro and Sarge Lacuesta.
“Song of the Fireflies” also stars renowned Filipina singer and actress Rachel Alejandro as Enriqueta “Equet” Butalid, a cultural advocate who helps preserve the choir’s legacy. She is joined by Noel Comia Jr. and Krystal Brimner, who portray young choir members whose lives are deeply shaped by music and memory. The film features a stirring original score and music by Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raimund Marasigan, Jazz Nicolas, and Krina Cayabyab whose music blends traditional Filipino instruments with contemporary choral arrangements. The cinematography by Pong Ignacio brings to life the lush tropical nights that inspired the film’s title.
Director Palisoc says, “Making a film about a group of small-town kids and their mentor who find strength and purpose in music feels like a reflection on my personal journey into storytelling and a celebration of a craft that I feel most passionate about. In today’s world where there is constant disquiet and unrest, we want to believe that there is still something worth celebrating. Something magical.”
Producers Girlie Rodis and Rachel Alejandro said, “We are proud to honor the inspirational real-life story of the Loboc Children’s Choir and present the film’s universal message of hope and Filipino resilience. We hope that audiences will take something with them when they see the film and make their hearts lighter.”
Following the special screening of “Song of the Fireflies” at the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival, there will be a Q&A with star and producer Rachel Alejandro.
There will be a Pacific Rim Showcase after-party following the screening at TIME Nightclub in Costa Mesa, starting at 9:30 PM. This celebration follows the screening of the Pacific Rim Showcase, which features a selection of films from the Pacific Rim region. The after-party will include live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres prepared by award-winning Orange County restaurants.
Rachel Alejandro, star and producer of SONG OF THE FIREFLIES, will perform at this event.
TIME Nightclub is located at 1875 Newport Blvd, Unit B245, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit the TIME Nightclub event page.
Please note that the event is for 21 and over. newportbeachff2025.eventive.org+1
Tickets & info: https://newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/films/68b0f1f043d3df884f854b0b
Use code NBFFPHILIPPINES for a special $20 discount on tickets to the screening and party package or just the screening!
Screening Information
- Festival: Newport Beach Film Festival 2025
- Venue: Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
- Date & Time: Wed, Oct 22nd, 7:45 PM
- Q&A: Followed by a discussion with the star and producer Rachel Alejandro
About the Newport Beach Film Festival
Celebrating its 26th year, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program as well as providing a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces the passion, vision and independent spirit of these talented artists. With the integration of the local community and educational institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/
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Your coverage is invited:
For Press & Industry Screening: travis.garcia@newportbeachfilmfest.com
For further information or to schedule interviews: debkolarpr@gmail.com
To cover and attend the red-carpet premiere: travis.garcia@newportbeachfilmfest.com
A viewing link is available upon request: debkolarpr@gmail.com
Screening at Newport Beach Film Festival:
Wed, Oct 22nd, 7:45 PM, Triangle Cinemas, Screen 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
Culturtain Musicat Productions is best known for also producing the musical film “Ang Larawan”
Under the leadership of producer Girlie Rodis, the company worked closely with MQuest Ventures, the Quezon City Film Development Commission, the Quezon City Government, and CMB Films to develop, finance, and manage the production of the movie, which traces the real-life journey of the Loboc Children’s Choir and its founder Alma Taldo from a small town in Bohol to international recognition.
Culturtain Musicat Productions oversaw every stage of the project over a seven-year period, navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, typhoons, and the logistical difficulties of working with child actors, while ensuring that the film remained authentic to its source story. The company also facilitated collaboration with notable artists and musicians, including National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and Louie Ocampo, to craft an original soundtrack that heightened the film’s emotional impact.
By combining meticulous production oversight with a commitment to meaningful storytelling, Culturtain Musicat Productions helped ensure that “Song of the Fireflies” has earned both critical acclaim and audience recognition.
ABOUT THE FILM
Title: Song of the Fireflies
Distributor: TBA
Genre: Musical drama
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 95 minutes
Language: Tagalog
Director: King Palisoc
Executive Producers – Jane Basas, Celeste Legaspi Gallardo, Girlie Rodis
Producers – Celeste Legaspi Gallardo, Girlie Rodis, Rachel Alejandro and Sarge Lacuesta
Line Producer – Nia Laureno
Screenplay – Sarge Lacuesta
Cinematographer – Pong Ignacio
Production Designers– Martin Masado and Marta Ines Lovin
Film Editor – Lawrence Ang
Music -Krina Cayabyab
Sound – Jonathan Ang
Screening at Newport Beach Film Festival:
Link: https://newportbeachff2025.eventive.org/films?search=Song%20of%20the%20fireflies
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm7p6wz-QhQ
Official website: N/A
