MANILA – “Ang Larawan,” the film adaptation of the original Filipino musical of the same name, is set to make its world premiere at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) to be held from October 25 to November 3.

Starring Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro, the movie is based on the play “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin.

It tells the story of sisters Candida (Ampil) and Paula (Alejandro), whose family got into financial trouble after their father, painter Don Lorenzo Marasigan, became unable to produce artworks.

Paulo Avelino is also part of the movie as Tony Javier, who comes into play when Paula and Candida decide to take him in as a boarder in their house to have a source of income.

The movie also stars Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Sandino Martin, Nanette Inventor, Noel Trinidad, Jaime Fabregas, Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, Bernardo Bernardo, Aicelle Santos and Cris Villonco.

Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla and Rayver Cruz will also have a special participation.

The movie is produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions. It is the third full-length feature film of Broadway production designer-turned-director Loy Arcenas.

“I am thrilled to have the Asian Future Film section of the Tokyo International Film Festival introduce to the world some of the very best actor-singers of the Philippines today!” Arcenas said.

The musical’s libretto is by National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio, while the music is by renowned Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab rendered by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.