The upcoming film Gensan Punch directed by Brillante Mendoza has been set to release as an HBO Asia original movie. The film will be available to stream on HBO Go in the near future reported by Variety.
About ‘Gensan Punch’
Before the film is turned into an HBO original, it will premiere at the Busan International Film Festival next month. Gensan Punch is also one of the Asian films nominated for the festival’s Kim Jiseok Award. Afterwards, it will show at Tokyo’s International Film Festival in November.
Furthermore, the film is based on real events and is co produced between Japan and the Philippines. It follows a story about Japanese man with a prosthetic leg who pursues a career in boxing. He trains at the Gensan Quarter of General Santos City, which is known for making athletes. One of the athletes produced from the Gensan Quarter is former champion boxer Manny Pacquiao. The film brings issues of preconceptions made about the disabled to light. Specifically disabled athletes in a competitive sports atmosphere.
Brillante Mendoza directing on set of Gensan Punch for HBO Asia. Image credit: Variety.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Brillante and his production team on this stunning project. Gensan Punch is not only a story about boxing, but also a tale about overcoming adversity in the most remarkable ways. I fully expect it to turn heads in Busan,” said Magdalene Ew, head of content and entertainment at WarnerMedia in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Production and Cast Members for ‘Gensan Punch’
Gensan Punch is created and written by Honee Alipio. Mendoza directed and also produced alongside Takahiro Yamashita and Krisma Maclang Fajardo. Additionally he executive produced with Simon Crowe and Fumie Suzuki.
The film stars Shogen as Nao, Kaho Minami as Nao’s mother. In addition to the cast is Ronnie Lazaro as Coach Rudy, Beauty Gonzalez as Melissa and Jeffrey Rowe as Nao’s father.
Check out HBO Go’s teaser for Gensan Punch below!
