The 2024 Cinemalaya entry "Balota", directed by Kip Oebanda and starring the iconic Marian Rivera, has finally hit the cinemas!
Now’s your chance to catch the thrilling political action drama on the big screen. And here's the best part—students and teachers can enjoy this cinematic experience for just P150! Simply present your valid IDs, and you’re all set.
Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera took to Instagram, to clarify that the discounted ticket prices were announced before the nationwide release of Balota to help ensure its important message reaches more viewers.
“Una po sa lahat, ano ba ang dahilan kung bakit namin ito ginawa? Hindi pare-pareho ang purpose ng pelikula,” Marian said.
“May pelikula na ang habol ay kumita ng hundreds of millions. Merong personal na pelikula, May pelikula na experimental. May pelikula na naglalayong makatulong sa lipunan,” she expressed.
"Balota"
In the political action-drama, Rivera portrays a public school teacher who is forced to protect a ballot box chained to her wrist, containing the final election returns that corrupt forces are desperate to steal in an attempt to alter the election results. The supporting cast of Balota includes Will Ashley, Nico Antonio, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Sue Prado, Felix Petate (aka Sassa Gurl), Esnyr Ranollo, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner. The film was featured in the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and was produced by GMA Pictures, GMA Entertainment Group, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
The wide release of ‘Balota’ is timely, coming just as candidates recently filed their certificates for the 2025 elections, and we all know that each election often brings violence due to rivalries among candidates.
This film highlights the need for transparency and integrity in politics, reminding us all to hope for a fair election where votes aren’t sabotaged and calling out the leaders to genuinely serve the nation.
That is why ‘Balota’ wants to capture the attention of students, teachers and especially voters, encouraging everyone to become more politically aware and educated. The hope is to push for better governance in the Philippines as we head into the 2025 elections.
Catch ‘Balota’ at SM Cinemas nationwide and grab your tickets at any SM Cinema ticket counter.
