“Quezon” to Make Its International Debut After Philippine Premiere

Filipino moviegoers will be the first to experience Quezon when it opens in Philippine cinemas on October 15, 2025.

Fresh from its local release, the film will then make its international debut at the 45th Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF45) the same month.

Jericho Rosales Quezon

Photo: TBA Studios/YouTube

Quezon will screen as part of Spotlight on the Philippines, a special program in celebration of Filipino American History Month. The program honors the depth and diversity of Filipino storytelling across the diaspora.

Quezon is no ordinary local release—it’s being hailed as one of the most anticipated Philippine films in years, continuing the success of director Jerrold Tarog’s acclaimed Bayaniverse trilogy. Following the cultural milestones of Heneral Luna (2015) and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018), this latest installment puts the spotlight on President Manuel L. Quezon and his political rise during the Commonwealth era.

 

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Audiences at HIFF can catch the screenings on October 26, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the Consolidated Kahala Theater, and on October 28, 2025, at 6 PM at the Consolidated Kapolei Theater. Tickets are now available via the HIFF website.

A powerhouse cast

Quezon marks the much-awaited return of Jericho Rosales to the big screen as Manuel L. Quezon. He is joined by an ensemble of celebrated actors, including Mon Confiado, Benjamin Alves, Romnick Sarmenta, and Iain Glen—best known globally for his role as Ser Jorah Mormont in Game of Thrones.

The cast also includes Karylle, JC Santos, Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco, rounding out a lineup that promises strong performances across the board.

A defining chapter in Philippine history

Set in the politically charged 1930s, Quezon explores the first Philippine presidential elections under the Commonwealth. At its heart is Quezon’s determined fight for independence from the United States, navigating political rivalries, forging alliances, and ultimately reshaping the nation’s path to sovereignty.

TBA Studios Chief and producer Daphne Chiu shared, “We are thrilled to share Quezon with audiences in Hawai’i and beyond at HIFF. We’re thankful to HIFF for its warm aloha to our film and hope audiences will be as excited to see it abroad as they have been in the Philippines.”

What’s next for Quezon

Following its festival run, the film is set for theatrical releases in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East, bringing this defining chapter of Philippine history to international audiences.

ALSO READ: Jericho Rosales Wants Us To “Romanticize Cinema Again”—Here’s Why


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