From Passion 5 Studios comes Lasting Moments, a powerful new drama starring Sue Ramirez and JM De Guzman, written and directed by Fifth Solomon. Releasing in Philippine cinemas this June 4, the film is already being called the most emotionally devastating local movie of the year — a raw and deeply moving story about love, loss, and rediscovering what it means to truly feel.
Director Fifth Solomon shared that Lasting Moments is his most personal and emotional work to date. “I’ve never poured my heart into something this much,” he wrote. “Lasting Moments is, without a doubt, the most emotionally wrecking, soul-stirring, and beautiful film I’ve ever written and directed. It’s raw, it’s real — and I believe it will remind you what it means to feel again.”
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But despite the heart behind the film, it is struggling to find space in local cinemas. In an Instagram post, Solomon revealed that their distributor is having a hard time booking theaters, with only a few venues currently agreeing to show the film. The reason, he says, is that foreign films are being prioritized over local productions. This, for him, reflects a bigger issue in the Philippine film industry — one where Filipino filmmakers are left pleading for a chance to showcase their work in their own country.
“It’s painful and disheartening,” Solomon wrote. “It feels like Filipino filmmakers are begging in their own country just to get their films shown.” He questioned the support — or lack thereof — from cinema owners, mall chains, and even government bodies. Solomon emphasized that cinema is not just entertainment, but a reflection of a nation’s culture, and pointed to South Korea as a model for how strong government support can elevate a country’s creative industry to global recognition. Without concrete action and investment in local talent, he warned, Filipino cinema will continue to struggle.
The director also raised important questions about the fairness of the current system. He asked whether it’s right that cinemas take 50% of a film’s earnings, and why local films are burdened with both a 10% amusement tax and a 12% value-added tax on every ticket sold. In the age of streaming, he asked, does the Filipino film still stand a chance in theaters?
Despite all this, Lasting Moments is pushing forward. Solomon is calling on audiences to take action — to watch the film, support Filipino cinema, and help it survive. He encouraged viewers to contact their local cinemas and request for Lasting Moments to be shown. He also invited fans to post on social media and tag theaters to express their support.
Lasting Moments premieres this Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Bring tissues — and more importantly, bring your love and support for Filipino stories.
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