Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Moro’ Coming Soon to Netflix

Center Stage Productions

“Moro,” a film that delves into the complexities of fraternal relationships, has made its debut on Netflix in Southeast Asia, including director Brillante Mendoza’s native Philippines.

In other regions, the film’s rights are managed by Manila-based company Fire and Ice, which handles finance, production, and sales.

The screenplay, written by Honeylyn Joy Alipio, was produced by Mendoza’s Center Stage Productions. “Moro” narrates the story of a widowed mother, portrayed by Laurice Guillen, who attempts to mediate between her two feuding sons over a disputed land in Mindanao. The older brother is known for his diligence and responsibility, while the younger brother has wasted his money on gambling. Despite reaching a tentative agreement, government intervention disrupts the situation and exposes the harsh reality that even those closest to us can turn into formidable adversaries.

In addition to Laurice Guillen, the film features singer-actor-model Piolo Pascual and Baron Geisler, who is a regular in Mendoza’s films.

Mendoza’s earlier film, “Pula” (also known as “Red”), was also picked up by Netflix in specific territories and represented by Fire and Ice. “Pula” is set in a devoutly Catholic town and explores themes of faith, fanaticism, and vigilante justice.

Brillante Mendoza is a prominent figure in Asian art cinema and has received numerous accolades, including the Locarno Golden Leopard for his 2005 film “Masahista” and the Cannes Best Director award for “Kinatay” in 2009. Currently, he is involved in two additional projects.

The production of “Chameleon,” a transgender gangster drama set in Japan, has been temporarily halted. However, Mendoza shared that the project would resume filming in Kitakyushu, Japan, in October.

Another upcoming project is the film “Cocoon,” set for a 2025 production in Los Angeles. “Cocoon” is a drama focusing on a couple planning an interfaith marriage but encountering cultural conflicts, particularly objections from the man’s Jewish family regarding the woman’s Catholic background.