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| LEFT: (L-R) Sylvia Sanchez, daughter/actress and Nathan Studios President and CEO Ria Atayde and veteran actress Lorna Tolentino in France for Cannes Film Festival; RIGHT: The official poster for the Japanese drama film "Monster" coming to PH cinemas on October 11, 2023 under Nathan Studios Inc. (Image Source: Pikapika.ph/Nathan Studios Inc.) |
The Atayde family’s entertainment production company continues to push boundaries with its new acquisition as Nathan Studios, the brainchild of the Atayde family and helmed by actress Ria Atayde as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has once again showcased its commitment to delivering cutting-edge content. Owned by the Atayde family, Nathan Studios is a top-tier production outfit committed to delivering groundbreaking content. With different projects spanning series, movies, and live events, the studio has consistently showcased narratives that challenge conventions and resonate deeply with audiences. Under Ria’s leadership, the company has produced notable projects like Cattleya Killer, Misis Piggy, and Topakk.
During their recent visit to the Cannes Film Festival, the Nathan Studios team in collaboration with veteran actress Lorna Tolentino and 888 Films International secured the rights to the critically acclaimed Japanese drama film Monster (Japanese: 怪物, romanized: Kaibutsu). Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and penned by Yuji Sakamoto, Monster is not a run-of-the-mill dramatic film. It bagged the Best Screenplay award at Cannes and is a testament to the intricate art of storytelling. Monster marks a significant milestone for director Kore-eda, as it’s the first time he has directed a film he hasn’t written himself since Maborosi in 1995. Moreover, its score holds a very special place in cinematic history, being the last project by the legendary Ryuichi Sakamoto who died of cancer two months before its release. The film stands as a tribute to his memory.
Having its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2023, Monster competed for the Palme d’Or, further highlighting its emotional depth and resonance. The film was subsequently released in Japan on June 2, 2023. At its core, Monster is an emotional exploration of adolescence, deceit, and the consequences that arise from them. Through the eyes of three different characters, the film demands patience from its viewers, promising a payoff filled with well-earned emotional revelations. The narrative revolves around Minato, his mother Saori, and his classmate Eri, each offering a unique viewpoint on the unfolding events, revealing buried truths that troubled all the characters. Kore-eda’s exceptional camera work, combined with Sakamoto’s tender script, creates a cinematic masterpiece that helps its cast deliver emotional performances.
After watching Monster, Sylvia, Ria, and Lorna were deeply moved. The film resonated with them on multiple levels, touching them as mothers, children, and human beings. That prompted them to acquire the film with an eye toward sharing it with Filipinos. “It’s a poignant narrative about love, anti-bullying, family, and mental health,” shares Ria. The team at Nathan Studios is confident that Filipino audiences will embrace the film with the same intensity. As the Nathan Studios team gears up to introduce Monster to Filipinos, audiences can anticipate a cinematic experience that is emotionally charged and thought-provoking. Nathan Studios continues to set new benchmarks in entertainment, dedicated to bringing diverse and impactful stories to the forefront. "Monster" is slated to be shown in Philippine cinemas on October 11, 2023.
