Vice Ganda expressed his gratitude for the success of the inaugural Philippines-Japan Film Festival 2026 where screenings for his Filipino blockbuster film “Call Me Mother” sold out over two days.
Vice graced the screenings in Tokyo along with director Jun Robles Lana where two of their Philippine blockbuster movies “Call Me Mother” and “And The Breadwinner Is…” were selected for the said film festival.
The actor shared that he is delighted that his films resonated with both the Japanese and Filipino audiences that were in attendance.
“It was a wonderful experience. Audiences here also laughed and cried at the end, the same way viewers in the Philippines reacted. It’s really heartwarming because it means we were able to hit our goal,” said Vice during an interview following the screenings. (“It was a wonderful experience. ‘Yung tawa nila at ‘yung iyak nila sa dulo ay ganun din ‘yung nakita at naramdaman ko dito. Nakakatuwa kasi ibig sabihin nasapul namin ‘yung goal namin.”)
Jun also recalled a special moment at the event wherein a Japanese father approached him to share how emotionally moved he was after watching “Call Me Mother.”
“We’re very happy and surprised that viewers would share their personal stories. We want to tell stories that resonate with the Filipino audience and now, also globally. I think Filipino stories are ultimately very universal,” he said. (“Nakakatawa at nakakagulat na nag-share sila ng personal stories. We want to tell stories that resonate with the Filipino audience and now, also globally. I think Filipino stories are ultimately very universal.”)
“And The Breadwinner Is…” follows OFW breadwinner Bambi (Vice), who stages her own death in exchange for money to help her family through a financial crisis. In “Call Me Mother,” Vice portrays a queer mother whose bond with her adoptive son is tested when the child’s biological mother seeks custody.
The Philippines-Japan Film Festival 2026 marks Vice’s first appearance in an international film festival, where “Call Me Mother” served as the festival’s opening film. The event was launched in line with the 2026 Philippines–Japan Friendship Year, highlighting cultural exchange between the two countries.
