Pokwang’s ‘2 Valid IDs’ hits P15M box office earnings, eyes Hawaii filmfest

Pokwang‘s award-winning Cinemalaya movie “2 Valid IDs” has earned P15 million in box office sales after it was screened in local cinemas nationwide since October 14, and will now eyeing its international debut at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

Unofficial box office estimates placed “2 Valid IDs” on top of the tills with students and families lining the cinemas to witness how a simple identification requirement had affected the life of the main character, Sylvia, played by Pokwang, who used the screen name Marietta Subong.

READ: Pokwang says film ‘2 Valid IDs’ reflects realities, struggles of Filipinos

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The movie made waves at the 22nd Cinemalaya International Film Festival, winning the Best Actress trophy for Subong, tying with Ruby Ruiz for the film “Status: Rejected.” It also won the Special Jury Prize, and the Audience Choice Award.

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Directed by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan, written by Abet Pagdagdagan Raz, and executive produced by Geo Lomuntad, the film attracted strong audiences throughout its theatrical run, with several screenings selling out. Its reception highlights the audience’s interest in films that tackle pressing social issues and reflect the everyday realities of ordinary Filipinos.

“2 Valid IDs” follows Sylvia, a poor provincial farmer who seeks financial assistance for her hospitalized husband, Ramon, only to encounter a bureaucratic roadblock: the requirement for two valid IDs.

The film has resonated with Filipinos from all walks of life, drawing students and families to cinemas while sparking conversations and calls for action on access to public services. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate likewise asked for private screeneings in aid of legislation, while some politicians vowed to sponsor screenings in their respective provinces.

Aside from Subong, the film also stars Joey Marquez, Meryll Soriano, and Zaijian Jaranilla.

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International debut

Digñalan said that they are looking at the movie’s international debut through the Hawaii International Film Festival, among others. The Hawaii filmfest began on October 21 and will run until November 15.

“Yung sa Hawaii tuloy na po. And there’s another one in Argentina and Indonesia, di pa lang namin pa ma reveal. Pero yung sa Hawaii that’s for this year,” she said.

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The Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina is one of Latin America’s major competitive film festivals, attracting filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world, as it serves as an unofficial qualifying venues for international films wanting to obtain a nod at the Academy Awards (Oscars).

“Actually nung ginawa namin yung pelikula, di namin iniisip yung mga festivals. Mas iniisip namin yung kwento, saka kumita. Kasi we want filmmaking [to be] sustainable, kase papano kami makakagawa ng pelikulang kamukha nito kung hindi mababalik sa mga investors. So dapat talaga maibalik yung whatever investment yung nakuha namin sa mga producers, at least kahit papano kumita para makagawa ulit,” she said.