Alessandra de Rossi-starrer Watch List set for a theatrical run in France and in North American territories

The motion picture Watch List, starring Filipina actress Alessandra de Rossi as a mother who will do anything to protect her family, will commence its international theatrical run.

The Hollywood-based filmmaker who directed and co-wrote the movie, Ben Rekhi, made the announcement at the Watch List press conference. He said, “This April, it will be shown in France, then in a few other territories after that.”

Watch List, which opens in PH cinemas on February 19, features an all-Filipino cast. Co-starring with Alessandra are Jake Macapagal, Art Acuña, Lou Veloso, Jess Mendoza, Angeli Bayani, Timothy Mabalot and Micko Laurente.

Rekhi described Watch List as a “hybrid” production. The Tagalog film entirely shot in Manila is a collaboration of cinema artists from the US and Philippines. It is backed by Hollywood-based company XYZ Films which is the movie’s executive producer.

The cross-cultural factor has gotten the attention and support of international film distributors. As Gregory Chambet of WTFilms (who brokered the international sales rights) told screendaily.com, “Watch List is at once a deeply moving portrait of a mother, and a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thriller. By integrating the best of both Asian and American genres, Rekhi and his team have come up with something entirely new. It speaks not just to fans of world cinema but to anyone who genuinely loves movies.”

With the Korean family drama Parasite getting Oscar Best Picture at the latest Academy Awards, Rekhi is predicting that more Asian films like Watch List will be gaining more interest and acceptance across the world. “Parasite’s success levels the playing field of what is good cinema,” said Rekhi. “It definitely opens doors for other Asian films.”