Quezon's Game

The multi-awarded period film “Quezon’s Game” directed by Matthew E. Rosen is set to hit Philippine cinemas this May 29, 2019.

Inspired by true events, “Quezon’s Game” pays tribute to former Philippine president Manuel Quezon’s heroism of rescuing around 1,200 Jews seeking refuge from the Holocaust. The film is a joint venture production of Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant, and Kinetek Productions, and it stars Raymond Bagatsing, Rachel Alejandro, and Kate Alejandrino. 

ABS-CBN held a VIP Screening last May 7, 2019 at Power Plant Mall in Makati City attended by ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN Chairman Martin Lopez, and Head of ABS-CBN Films Olivia Lamasan. Manolo Quezon III represented the Quezon family. Some government officials were also present during the event, namely Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

“Very few of us wouldn’t have the chance to live under the era of President Quezon, but his presence is immortalized in the lives of and descendants of more than a thousand people that he saved. President Quezon’s shining legacy is not just to the Philippines but to humanity,” said ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak.

Meanwhile, “Quezon’s Game” director Matthew Rosen emphasized about the compassion Filipinos have, which is reflected in the film. He stated, “This movie isn’t really about politics at all. In fact, this movie isn’t really about the life of Quezon. What this movie to me is really about is that culture that we as Filipinos have in this time where we shone a light of humanity when the rest of the world was drowning in the pity of their war.”

ABS-CBN also presented a video interview of Holocaust survivors Margot Pins Kestenbaum and Max Weissler who received help from Manuel Quezon and are currently living in Israel.

The film is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and is part of Sandaan, the celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema. "We are honored that Quezon's Game premieres in the Philippines just in time for our celebration of Sandaan where we recognize our legacy, our heritage, and the people and talents that have led us to the milestone. With films such as ‘Quezon's Game’ which not just educates, but enlightens a meaningful moment in our history, it makes Sandaan all the more significant," said Liza Diño, Chairperson and CEO of FDCP.

“Quezon’s Game” bagged more than 20 awards all over the world, including major prizes from Cinema WorldFest Awards in Canada, IndieFEST Film Awards in California, USA, and WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival in Texas, USA.

Discover the secret in Philippine history as “Quezon’s Game” screens in cinemas this month.