A SONS OF SUMMER FILM
AMID THE CHAOS OF WORLD WAR II IN THE PHILIPPINES, A COURAGEOUS WOMAN LEADS A DARING RESISTANCE AGAINST JAPANESE FORCES, BLENDING HEART-POUNDING ACTION WITH A PROFOUND TALE OF HERITAGE, RESILIENCE, AND SURVIVAL.
BEAST OF THE PACIFIC
DIRECTED BY MIKKEL ARANAS, A PROUD FILIPINO AND MEMBER OF SONS OF SUMMER, BEAST OF THE PACIFIC IS SET IN 1940S MANILA DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION. THIS ACTION-THRILLER CELEBRATES THE COURAGE AND RESILIENCE THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.
TO ENSURE AUTHENTICITY, BEAST OF THE PACIFIC WAS FILMED ON LOCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES, WITH LOCAL CREW, STUNT TEAMS, AND A PREDOMINANTLY FILIPINO CAST. THE RESULT IS A FILM THAT NOT ONLY CAPTURES THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE PHILIPPINES BUT ALSO DEEPLY HONORS ITS PEOPLE AND THEIR REMARKABLE LEGACY.
ESA SANTOS is played by
CoéL MAHAL
MAHAL IS A DISTINGUISHED ACTRESS KNOWN FOR HER DYNAMIC INTENSITY AND CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCES. WITH A UNIQUE BLEND OF CLASSICAL THEATER TRAINING AND AN UNDEFEATED REGIONAL GRAND CHAMPION BACKGROUND IN MARTIAL ARTS, SHE POSSESSES THE RARE ABILITY TO TACKLE COMPLEX, PHYSICALLY DEMANDING ROLES WHILE BRINGING GENUINE DEPTH AND HEART TO EACH CHARACTER.
MAHAL IS A RISING FORCE IN THE INDUSTRY THAT EFFORTLESSLY COMMANDS LEADING ROLES SUCH AS ESA SANTOS.
captain sakata is played by
SHOw KASAMATSU
SHOW KASAMATSU MOVED TO TOKYO IN 2011 TO PURSUE ACTING AND HAS BEEN DEEPLY COMMITTED TO HIS CAREER SINCE 2013. BETWEEN 2018 AND 2021, HE APPEARED IN AN IMPRESSIVE 52 DRAMAS. IN 2019, HE RANKED FIRST AMONG JAPANESE MALE ACTORS FOR THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF FILM AND DRAMA APPEARANCES. HE ALSO EARNED THE TOP SPOT IN TOYO KEIZAI’S RANKING OF “MOST IN-DEMAND ACTORS IN PRODUCTION” THAT YEAR. SELECTED BY DIRECTOR MICHAEL MANN, SHOW LANDED THE LEAD ROLE OF SATO IN TOKYO VICE, A DRAMA CO-PRODUCED BY WOWOW AND HBO MAX.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
FILMING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Partnering with local crew was vital to the production’s success. Their deep knowledge of the area, cultural insights, and exceptional skills brought authenticity and creativity to the project. Their passion and expertise ensured the seamless execution of everything from set design to capturing the unique beauty of the Philippines. Working with the local team gave us valuable lessons in what works and what doesn’t when filming in Manila, providing insights into the differences between Manila-based and US productions. This experience will give us a significant advantage when shooting the feature version of this film.
THE STORY BEAST OF PACIFIC
We aim to showcase beautiful and untold stories from the Filipino perspective—narratives that highlight the resilience, courage, and vibrant heritage of a people whose voices are often overlooked. These stories celebrate the depth of Filipino identity, capturing the unique experiences, traditions, and struggles that have shaped their history, offering audiences a rare and authentic window into their world."
Partnering with local crew
Partnering with local crew was crucial to the production’s success. Their expertise, cultural insights, and deep knowledge of the area brought authenticity and creativity to the project. Their dedication ensured the seamless execution of every aspect, from set design to capturing the beauty of the Philippines. This experience also helped us identify key crew members to rely on for future projects, allowing us to build stronger working relationships while improving the production pipeline by replacing areas that needed refinement.
POST PRODUCTION
Our post-production schedule was executed with remarkable speed and precision, a feat made possible by the dedication of our talented team and the streamlined workflows we implemented. Every stage, from editing and sound design to color grading and visual effects, was meticulously planned and carried out without compromising quality. This efficient timeline not only showcased the team’s expertise but also demonstrated our commitment to delivering a polished and compelling film within a demanding timeframe."
SHOOTING SCHEDULE
The entire film was completed within a tight schedule of 6 shooting days, a testament to meticulous planning and the incredible efficiency of the cast and crew. Staying within the production budget required disciplined coordination, precise execution, and unwavering commitment from everyone involved, ensuring that every moment on set was maximized to bring the vision of the film to life.
SCREENING & MARKETING
Our marketing and event screening for Beast of the Pacific proved to be a resounding success, generating significant buzz and excitement around the film. Through targeted outreach, engaging social media campaigns, and strategic partnerships, we were able to reach a wide audience, especially within the Filipino community and film enthusiasts. The screening itself was a memorable occasion, with an enthusiastic crowd that engaged deeply with the film and the team behind it. The positive feedback, heartfelt testimonials, and media coverage further solidified the film's impact.
LOS ANGELES SCREENING
Of beast of the pacIfic
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Our private industry screening in a Los Angeles film studio was an unforgettable event, attended by over 150 guests, including filmmakers, industry professionals, and influencers. To make the experience truly immersive, we transformed the studio into a jungle setting, complete with stunning art installations that brought the film’s world to life.
In addition, we hosted a merch drop, offering exclusive Beast of the Pacific items that allowed guests to take a piece of the experience home. The combination of the venue’s transformation, the immersive art, and the merch added an extra layer of excitement, creating a memorable atmosphere for all attendees.
