“Boses” is a poignant tale about a boy made mute by unbearable experiences and his emotionally damaged mentor.

Retailing giant SM’s movie arm, SM Cinemas, gives a special opportunity to “Boses”, an award-winning independent movie from the 2008 Cinemalaya. On July 31, the heart-warming movie will be shown in select SM Cinemas nationwide, giving the movie wider reach—and louder voice.

“Boses” is a poignant tale about a boy made mute by unbearable experiences and his emotionally damaged mentor. The movie unfolds with the two characters finding their voice through the redemptive and healing power of music. The film stars Cherry Pie Picache, Ricky Davao, Merryl Soriano, violinist Coke Bolipata, and child violinist prodigy Julian Duque. 

Recognizing that the film’s theatrical run comes at an important time when there is a heightened need for positive, relevant and inspiring entertainment, agencies and organizations have expressed support for “Boses.” The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Education (DepEd) have released advisories encouraging their employees, and families and students to watch the film.

In a memorandum circulated to all CHED offices nationwide, CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan stated, “The office hereby endorses the undertaking… for the support and participation of all concerned.”

The DepEd said in its Advisory No. 141, S. 2013, “The film, as it has been used in various schools and communities in the Philippines, can be utilized as a powerful advocacy tool in the Campaign for Children Against Violence.” 

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines—through its Episcopal Commission on Youth—has also circulated a letter enjoining all the youth and those who work among the youth to “watch and support ‘Boses.’”

Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, the film director, shares her experience that led to partnering with SM Cinemas. She recalls, “It was last September. After a screening at an exclusive school for boys, a young man of about 16 years old, approached me, shook my hand and thanked me. With voice breaking he  assured me  that now he he has an idea of what to do and who he should talk to…”

She continues that encounter with the young man revived her plan to bring her independent film to the mainstream cinema. “In the same month, SM Cinemas had also gone fully digital which meant that better quality projection was now accessible to indie films.”

Ellen took a chance and contacted SM. The management of SM Cinemas previewed “Boses” and agreed to screen the film at their theaters.  Ellen reveals, “What is very heartening is that SM is going to take ‘Boses’ as an exclusive and give the film marketing support such as collaterals and other help that they give to cinema exclusives.” 

Other groups that are giving voice to “Boses,” so to speak, are the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network/ Ang Mananampalatayang Gumagawa (AMG) Philippines, Ortigas Library and Filipino communities abroad who are set to conduct special screenings. 

Meanwhile, Food for the Hungry, Couples For Christ, World Vision, Jesuit Communications, Plan International and the Philippine Association of Gender and Development Advocates have also come on board in various ways- thru online linkages and actual sponsorships of blocked screenings when “Boses” opens at SM Cinemas on July 31.

For more information on “Boses,” check out the film’s website, like the film’s Facebook page or call (02) 3327485 or 09178888550. 

Press release and photo from SM Cinemas