Judy Ann Santos, Jeanne Balibar, and Stacy Martin will headline Brillante Mendoza's new political drama 'Aid', unveiled at the Cannes Film Market with Fire & Ice Media, Ghost City Films, and Human Films as co-producers.
International Collaboration
'Aid' is among the first productions under a co-production agreement between France and the Philippines, signed at Cannes last year. The film explores the complexities of international humanitarian efforts, focusing on Indigenous Aeta communities in the Philippines.
Character and Plot Details
Santos portrays Ruby Dela Cruz, a leader in grassroots organizations for Aeta communities. Martin plays Angelique Dumont, a European executive involved in aid operations across Southeast Asia. Balibar completes the principal cast, known for her work with directors like Arnaud Desplechin and Olivier Assayas.
Background and Production
Santos and Mendoza previously collaborated on 'Mindanao' (2019), earning her the best actress award at Cairo Film Festival. Martin's notable roles include 'The Brutalist', 'Nymphomaniac', and 'Godard Mon Amour'. Mendoza plans to film in an Aeta village in Pampanga, starting in October.
Filmmakers' Perspectives
Mendoza aims to highlight the complexities within aid systems. "Even good intentions can be swallowed by systems larger than the people trying to help," he said. Liza Diño of Fire & Ice Media emphasized the film's challenge to audiences. "It’s cinema that doesn’t look away," she stated.
Franck Priot of Ghost City Films and Pavel Feldman of Human Films echoed the film’s potential to bridge storytelling traditions between Europe and Asia. Mendoza remains a significant figure in Philippine cinema, with acclaim at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Locarno.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/brillante-mendoza-aid-judy-ann-santos-stacy-martin-jeanne-balibar-1236751486/
