EDJOP LAUNCHES “CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS,” BRINGING ITS MARTIAL LAW STORY TO STUDENTS NATIONWIDE

Elijah Canlas and Jodi Sta. Maria lead the highly anticipated drama, opening in cinemas September 16

MANILA, Philippines — Five weeks before EDJOP hits cinemas nationwide, the team behind the much-anticipated Martial Law-era epic is taking its story straight to the country’s classrooms.

Beginning in the last week of August, EDJOP Campus Conversations will bring director Katski Flores, together with members of the cast and creative team, to universities across the Philippines for a series of 90- to 120-minute discussions about history, filmmaking, youth, courage, and resistance.

More than a promotional tour, the initiative aims to create a meaningful dialogue with students about why the story of a young student leader from the 1970s remains relevant to the generation of 2026.

The program is designed to be accessible to schools, requiring only a projector, a screen, and a venue that can accommodate between 150 and 500 students.

“Edjop was a student before he was anything else,” said Flores, who directed, co-wrote, and co-executive produced the film. “He asked the same questions every student asks — what do I do with what I’ve been given, and who do I become when the answer costs something.”

Flores added that Campus Conversations is meant to go beyond a conventional film screening.

“It’s us sitting down with the next generation of Edjops and asking: what would you do?”

FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING

EDJOP is the product of five years of passion and commitment from Flores and her team, with the project steadily building anticipation through its social media channels.

The film reached a major milestone in July when it secured a nationwide theatrical release through Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, with its opening date set for September 16, 2026.

The release of the full trailer also introduced audiences to an impressive ensemble of Philippine film, television, and theater talents.

Leading the cast are Elijah Canlas in the title role and internationally acclaimed actress Jodi Sta. Maria, joined by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Kakie Pangilinan in her acting debut, Cedrick Juan, Teroy Guzman, Gab Pangilinan, Issa Litton, and other notable performers.

The campaign also expanded beyond traditional movie promotions with the launch of “EDJOP Conversations,” a social-first interview series that brings the film’s central questions into everyday conversations.

Through the series, the filmmakers ask Filipinos about sacrifice, aspirations, courage, and the things they are willing to fight for — connecting a story rooted in the Martial Law era with issues and questions that continue to resonate today.

A FILM CAMPAIGN BUILT AROUND DIALOGUE

At the heart of EDJOP’s final promotional push is the belief that young audiences should not simply watch history unfold on screen — they should have the opportunity to talk about it.

During Campus Conversations, students will get to see never-before-shared footage and hear firsthand stories from Flores and members of the cast and creative team about the making of the film.

The discussions will then open up to the students themselves, encouraging conversations about their own campuses, their understanding of history, and their personal perspectives on conscience, complicity, courage, and standing up under pressure.

The tour has already confirmed seven university host sites across the country, with Southwestern University-PHINMA in Cebu set to kick off the initiative.

Flores, who is also leading the film’s grassroots-inspired DIY promotional campaign, said the response from schools and student organizations has been overwhelming since the tour was announced on social media.

With more universities now expressing interest, the team is working to accommodate as many campus stops as possible before the film opens nationwide.

For universities and student organizations interested in hosting an EDJOP Campus Conversations stop, inquiries may be sent to info@edjopthemovie.com.

After five years of passion, EDJOP is now ready to meet its audience — and before it reaches the big screen, it is making one final stop where its story may matter most: the classroom.

EDJOP opens nationwide in cinemas on September 16, 2026.