Though graded A, 'Ang Larawan' pulled out of 17 theaters

MANILA, Philippines — The musical/historical/drama film "Ang Larawan," an entry to the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was pulled out of 17 theaters on Tuesday, December 26, due to reported low ticket sales.

In his Twitter post, Ryan Cayabyab, the film’s musical director, said "Ang Larawan" “lost the following cinemas to better performing films at the tills.” The film is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s play "Portrait of the Artist as Filipino."  

The multi-awarded composer also pointed out that the issue is that the film “has been cut short in cinemas though it has been graded A.”

He thanked everyone who supported the film and enjoined his Twitter followers to catch it since it is still showing in many theaters.

Ang Larawan lost the following cinemas to better performing films at the tills. Just saying. Thanks to everyone who supported the film. Meron pa rin namang ibang sinehan. Try to catch it!  pic.twitter.com/3sQz0mWraR

— Ryan Cayabyab (@ryancayabyab) December 26, 2017

"Ang Larawan" stars Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil as the Marasigan sisters Paula and Candida, respectively. Paulo Avelino also stars as the handsome boarder Tony Javier, alongside other cast members Celeste Legaspi, Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Cris Villonco, among others. Original Pinoy Music (OPM) icons Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla also have cameo roles.

The film had its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October. It is produced by Culturtrain Music at Productions and directed by Loy Arcenas.

Early this month, "Ang Larawan," the only musical entry to this year's MMFF, has been given grade "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board. The grade A rating means the film has reached the highest quality standards set by the board.