It looks like we’re going to have to wait later this year to see “BuyBust.” The latest police procedural drama from acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti will no longer open in Philippines cinemas on February 28 as earlier announced.
This is because the film is headed to the U.S. as its North American rights have been recently acquired by Well Go USA Entertainment, the same company that picked up Matti’s “On The Job” for international distribution in 2013.
Well Go was also the same outfit that brought the blockbuster Korean zombie thriller “Train to Busan” to North America. The Texas-based distribution company made the announcement earlier this week during the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival in Germany.
In a communiqué furnished to InterAksyon, Well Go said it will release the film in theaters later this year, followed by a digital and home video release.
A teaser video to reflect the change in the Philippine playdate was also posted to the film’s Facebook page.
Well Go’s Dylan Marchetti, who negotiated the deal along with Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films, is all praises for “BuyBust” and its director.
“Erik Matti is always top of class when it comes to Filipino genre films, but with ‘BuyBust’ he has truly outdone himself. If you lose your mind for an amazing action film, the last hour of ‘Buybust’ is going to blow your head clean off… the action is best described as apocalyptic.”
Touted as “one of the most ambitious Philippine productions of all time,” the film stars Anne Curtis as Nina Manigan, a rookie officer who joins an elite anti-narcotics squad, and Filipino-American mixed martial artist Brandon Vera, who plays her partner Rico.
Rushed into a poorly planned buy-bust mission, their squad is trapped in the most dangerous slum in Manila. With their cover blown and no backup coming, they must shoot, stab, slash, and fight their way out, hunted not only by criminals but also by the local citizens who are fed up with being caught in the crossfire.
“BuyBust” is a Viva Films and Reality Entertainment production directed by Erik Matti, and was written by Anton Santamaria from a story by Matti. The film was produced by Matti, Ronald “Dondon” Monteverde, and Vic Del Rosario, with Executive Producers Todd Brown and Nate Bolotin for XYZ Films. Viva Films will distribute the film in the Philippines.
Watch the Well Go USA teaser trailer for “BuyBust” here: