‘Mallari’ producer hopes to join more film fests with new movie ‘Biringan’

“Mallari” producer Bryan Dy. Image: INQUIRER.net/Anne Pasajol

The producer of horror-thriller “Mallari” is set to explore another Philippine folklore through its new film “Biringan,” which they hope to bring to local and international film festivals.

“We already have ‘Biringan,'” film producer Bryan Dy of Mentorque Productions said when asked about their next project after the success of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Mallari.”

“We wanted to have that own track, ‘yung Mentorque,” added Dy, who talked to some members of the press during the opening ceremony of the Barako Fest 2024—where they served as an organizer—in Lipa, Batangas on Thursday, March 14. “Gusto namin ‘yung niche ng ‘Mallari,’ ‘yung market nung ‘Mallari’—kasi merong gano’n e, gusto ng thrill.”

But veering away from its predecessor film, Dy clarified that the upcoming film is not a horror movie. Dy also disclosed that they have already chosen the cast members for the project although they have yet to sign a contract.

When asked if “Biringan” will participate in film festivals, Dy replied, “Sana, kung saan man.”

Dy spoke about the struggle of the film industry as well, and credited the company’s previous partnership with Warner Bros. in “Mallari” as an avenue to learn the international market.

“Our film industry is struggling, so ako, ang dami kong natutunan when we went to Hollywood,” he said. “I’m trying to apply step by step paano pa natin mae-export [yung films natin] kasi kaya naman tayo gumagawa ng pelikula—well, we have our Filipino audience, pero matagal na nating struggle na we wanted to break out also to the world.”

“Ang mahalaga sa lahat, ang craftsmanship natin, ang talento natin sa paggawa ng pelikula—the most important things is to bring it out there,” he added. “Mas gaganda ang ekonomiya natin, makakatulong ang film industry natin kung talagang nae-export natin siya. Maganda na ma-revive natin ‘yon.”

“Biringan” is about an “invisible city said to exist in the realms between the physical and the spiritual.” Further details on the film, including its director, have yet to be revealed as of this writing.