Marian Rivera’s ‘Balota’ to premiere nationwide on Oct. 16

Metro Manila, Philippines— ‘Balota,’ top-billed by Kapuso primetime queen Maria Rivera, will now be shown nationwide after its successful stint at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, GMA Pictures announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

“Teacher Emmy - isang guro at isang ina. Hawak niya ang kasagutan, hawak niya ang katotohanan, ‘Balota’ mapapanood na nationwide! Takbo na sa sinehan sa darating na October 16,” the movie outfit said in a post on X (former Twitter).

Directed by Kip Oebanda, the film was among the top box office films of this year’s film festival. It follows the story of a land-grabbing tycoon and a former male actor in a tight mayoral race.

Rivera played Emmy, a teacher who served during the elections. She ran for safety as violence rocked her town to secure the copy of election results with a ballot box.

Rivera’s outstanding performance earned her the Best Actress trophy in Cinemalaya.