Brillante Mendoza Casts Judy Ann Santos, Jeanne Balibar and Stacy Martin in ‘Aid’; Fire & Ice, Ghost City, Human Films Producing (EXCLUSIVE)
Brillante Mendoza is directing 'Aid,' a political drama starring Judy Ann Santos, Jeanne Balibar, and Stacy Martin, centered on the complexities of international humanitarian aid in the Philippines. The film explores how well-intentioned aid efforts can become entangled in systemic issues, focusing on the protection of Indigenous Aeta children. Produced by Fire & Ice Media, Ghost City Films, and Human Films, it will shoot on location in Pampanga starting October.
- ▪Judy Ann Santos plays Ruby Dela Cruz, a grassroots NGO leader serving Aeta communities, while Stacy Martin portrays Angelique Dumont, a European humanitarian executive.
- ▪The film is one of the first to be produced under a new bilateral co-production agreement between France and the Philippines signed at Cannes.
- ▪Brillante Mendoza will shoot 'Aid' in Pampanga, his home region, where he speaks the local dialect and will film on location at an Aeta village.
- ▪Producer Liza Diño described the film as one that challenges audiences to confront how care can turn into complicity within aid systems.
- ▪Ghost City Films' Franck Priot stated that 'Aid' raises the question of whether ends justify means, with the diverse backgrounds of the lead actresses adding universal resonance.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film Markets & Festivals May 17, 2026 4:00am PT Brillante Mendoza Casts Judy Ann Santos, Jeanne Balibar and Stacy Martin in ‘Aid’; Fire & Ice, Ghost City, Human Films Producing (EXCLUSIVE) By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest Raya Martin’s Horror Thriller ‘Obosen’ Lands at Philippines’ Rein Entertainment as Studio Taps Quark Henares as Partner (EXCLUSIVE) 17 minutes ago Twickenham Film Studios, Miller Team on New Insurance Referral Service for Producers (EXCLUSIVE) 2 hours ago Rome Kanda, Kuroki Hitomi, Banno Mari, Ahn Mika Lead Joshua Woodcock’s Japanese Drama ‘Ohenro’ (EXCLUSIVE) 3 hours ago See All Fire & Ice Media Judy Ann Santos, Jeanne Balibar and Stacy Martin are set to star in “Aid,” Philippines auteur Brillante Ma Mendoza’s new political drama, which is…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.
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