Kapamilya star Lovi Poe is deepening her footprint behind the camera as executive producer of “Makikiraan Po (Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors),” a new historical epic directed by world-renowned auteur Lav Diaz that is set to premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival this September.
Poe takes on the executive producer role through her banner, C’est Lovi Productions, as the feature prepares for its international launch at one of global cinema’s premier showcases.
Expressing her joy on social media Friday, Poe extended her gratitude to the creative team and crew behind the feature.
“Grateful to everyone who helped bring this story to life.”
The prestigious Venice selection marks a major highlight in Poe’s expanding career as a film producer, underscoring her commitment to backing globally competitive Filipino narratives while maintaining a busy acting schedule.
“Makikiraan Po” is produced by Bianca Balbuena alongside Montgomery Blencowe, with Poe serving as executive producer for C’est Lovi Productions.
The venture is a collaborative effort between C’est Lovi Productions, Epicmedia Productions, and Diaz’s Sine Olivia Pilipinas, pairing one of the nation’s premier directors with an actress-producer championing Philippine cinema on the international circuit.
Set in 1617 amid the Spanish colonial era, the historical piece delves into the deep-seated impacts of colonization, forced religious conversion, and indigenous resistance.
The narrative follows Padre Enciso, played by Bart Guingona, a Spanish friar and encomendero tasked with proselytizing Catholicism while directing church construction. He orders his son, Dungwen, portrayed by Christian Bables, to haul vital limestone through regions fiercely defended by native rebel groups.
The ensemble cast includes Ronnie Lazaro, Isabel Sandoval, Yul Servo, Hazel Orencio, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, and other notable Filipino performers.
The premiere continues Diaz’s celebrated legacy at Venice, where a significant portion of his filmography has debuted over the years.
The award-winning director previously claimed the festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion, in 2016 for “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left), with “Makikiraan Po” standing as his latest masterpiece selected for the Venetian screen.
The production is slated to premiere in the Venice Open section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, running from September 2 to 12.